Importuning
Section 2907.07 states that it is illegal for an individual to solicit an individual who is less than 13 years old to participate in sexual activity, regardless of if the alleged offender is aware of the age of the victim. If an individual commits this offense, he or she can be charged with importuning. If charged with this offense, you are facing serious penalties, and it would be in your best interest to contact a Franklin County sex crimes lawyer immediately.
Columbus Defense Lawyer for Importuning
Importuning is a serious offense that can be difficult for the prosecution to prove. If you have been charged with this offense in and around Madison County, Franklin County, Delaware County, Columbus, or Lancaster, the Joslyn Law Firm can provide you with a strong defense. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a consultation today.
Information on Importuning in Ohio
- Being Charged with Importuning
- Possible Penalties if Convicted of Importuning
- Defenses to Importuning Charges in Columbus
- Defense Lawyer Serving Clients in Franklin County Accused of Importuning
Being Charged with Importuning
Importuning is an offense that takes place over the internet or by other means of telecommunications. These charges often result from situations in which an individual is alleged to have solicited someone in a chat room, by email, or through text message. Law enforcement often uses sting operations where they pose as minors, and are solicited for sex by individuals.
Possible Penalties if Convicted of Importuning
Depending on the circumstances involved, an individual accused of importuning can be charged with a third or fourth degree felony. A third degree felony carries a potential prison sentence of between one and five years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $10,000. If convicted of a fourth degree felony, the defendant can be sentenced to between six to 18 months behind bars, and/or up to a $5,000 fine.
Along with the penalties mentioned above, anytime an individual is convicted of a sex related crime in Ohio, he or she may be forced to register as a sex offender.
Defenses to Importuning Charges in Columbus
In situations involving crimes that take place over the internet, it can often be difficult for the prosecution to prove their case. Your sex crimes defense lawyer in Columbus will raise the following questions in an attempt to weaken the prosecution’s case:
- Did the police entrap the defendant?
- Did the alleged offense take place in an adult only chat room?
- Did the defendant explicitly state his or her intentions to engage in sexual activity?
- Was the alleged offender the only person with access to the computer?
- Did the alleged victim lie about his or her age?
The goal of your defense team is to find inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and then exploit those weaknesses. By doing so, you could potentially have the charges against you dropped before it ever goes to trial.
Defense Lawyer Serving Clients in Franklin County Accused of Importuning
If you have been charged with importuning, it is essential that you seek the help of a legal professional as soon as possible. Brian Joslyn is a dedicated criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge and resources available to provide you with an adequate defense. As a dedicated defense lawyer of the Joslyn Law Firm, Brian Joslyn will work diligently to prove your innocence.
If you have been charged with importuning in Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio, contact us today at (614) 444-1900.
