Dayton Sex Crime Lawyer
Defense Against Sex Crime Charges in Southwest Ohio & Beyond
When it comes to responding to sex crime allegations, time is of the essence. If convicted, you could be facing severe penalties that could tarnish your reputation and follow you around for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a sex crime, seek the immediate help of the Dayton sex crime attorneys at L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC. Whether you are accused of rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, we can help protect your rights and liberties.
Need guidance? Contact us at (937) 685-7006 for a free initial consultation with our Dayton sex crime lawyers.
Ohio Sex Crimes Laws
“Sex crimes” is an umbrella term referring to different types of conduct involving sex-related acts, such as intercourse, unlawful contact, soliciting sex, paying for sex, or secretly observing or recording people who are nude. Chapter 29 of the Ohio Revised Code concerns illegal sexual behavior.
Nearly two dozen sex offenses are enumerated in the Chapter, including:
- Rape: This offense involves unlawful sexual conduct by force or supplying an intoxicant that impairs the other person’s judgment, or when the victim is physically unable to resist or is under 13 years of age.
- Sexual battery: Charges for this offense can arise when a person engages in unlawful sexual conduct with another under specific situations, such as when the alleged offender uses coercion, the victim can’t appraise the nature of the conduct, the victim is unaware of what’s happening to them, or the victim mistakenly believes that the actor is their spouse.
- Gross sexual imposition: A person may be accused of committing this offense if they allegedly sexually contacted another by using force or threat, administering an intoxicant that impairs the victim’s judgment, when the victim is unable to resist, or when the victim is under 13 years of age.
- Child pornography: In Ohio, alleged child pornography offenses can be pursued under O.R.C. §§ 2907.321, 2907.322, and 2907.323. These statutes prohibit creating, promoting, advertising, possessing, or buying material depicting a child engaged in sexual conduct or an obscene performance.
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor: This offense occurs when someone 18 years of age or older engages in sexual conduct with someone between 13 and 15 years of age.
- Importuning: Charges for this offense may arise when someone solicits a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
- Pandering obscenity involving a minor: This refers to the act of knowingly creating, reproducing, distributing, or possessing obscene material that involves a minor. This offense is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code and is considered a serious criminal offense due to the exploitation of minors. Obscene material typically includes sexually explicit images or videos that lack any serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Pandering obscenity involving a minor carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment and registration as a sex offender.
Ohio Sex Offense Penalties
In Ohio, sex crimes are harshly penalized. Depending on the nature of the offense, charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. Thus, anyone convicted can be sentenced to jail or prison and fined. Additionally, they may face a requirement to register as a sex offender.
Below are potential conviction penalties for sex crimes:
- Rape – First-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 16.5 years’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $20,000 in fines
- Sexual battery – Third-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 36 months’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Sexual battery on a person under 13 years of age – Second-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 12 years’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $15,000 in fines
- Gross sexual imposition – Fourth-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 18 months’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Pandering obscenity involving a minor – Second-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 12 years’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $15,000 in fines
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor – Fourth-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 18 months’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Importuning – Third-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 36 months’ imprisonment and/or
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Ohio Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Individuals convicted of or who plead guilty to specific sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders in Ohio. They must provide their personal identifying information to the local sheriff within 3 days of establishing residency in a county. Additionally, if they begin school or employment in a county, they must notify the sheriff’s office immediately.
The frequency and duration of sex offender registration in Ohio depend on the Tier a person is in:
- Tier I Offenders: Must register once a year for 15 years.
- Tier II Offenders: Must register every 180 days for 25 years.
- Tier III Offenders: Must register every 90 days for life.
Which Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
A conviction for many crimes enumerated in Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Code will result in mandatory sex offender registration.
The offense for which the person is convicted will determine the Tier they’re in:
- Crimes resulting in Tier I registration include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual imposition
- Importuning
- Voyeurism
- Promoting prostitution
- Pandering obscenity
- Crimes resulting in Tier II registration include, but are not limited to:
- Compelling prostitution
- Pandering obscenity involving a minor
- Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor
- Crimes resulting in Tier III registration include, but are not limited to:
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Gross sexual imposition
Being designated sex offender of any Tier can have debilitating effects on a person’s life. For instance, convicted sex offenders are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of a school or day-care center. Also, the social stigma of being convicted of a sex crime can make it difficult to develop or maintain community ties and relationships.
Our Dayton sex crime attorney recognizes how an accusation and conviction can turn a person’s life upside down. If you have been charged, speak with us to discuss possible defenses and legal avenues we can explore.
Contact us at (937) 685-7006 to learn more about how a sex crime lawyer near you can help you navigate your Ohio sex crime charges.
False Allegations of Sex Crimes in Ohio
Although any person is innocent until proven guilty, society often doesn’t apply this doctrine to individuals wrongly accused of sex crimes. False allegations can ruin someone’s career, taint their personal life, and dismantle the family unit.
If you were falsely accused, our Dayton sex crime lawyer at L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates can offer strong legal protection against the prosecution, the media, and those in the community who believe you are guilty. We are ready to aggressively defend you and do what it takes to seek a favorable result.
Why False Accusations Occur
Being falsely accused of a sex crime may be hard to believe; however, these allegations can occur for various reasons. For example, an accuser may attempt to seek revenge against the accused due to a prior dispute. Sometimes an accuser may regret having consensual intercourse and then make up a fake story to hide their shame. On other occasions, an accuser may incorrectly identify the perpetrator.
Whatever the case may be, our Dayton sex crime lawyers can help protect you and plan your defense once the investigation is underway. We can help defend your rights when you’re interviewed by police or the prosecution, thoroughly document your case, and find potential witnesses that may help your defense.
Former Prosecutor Turned Dayton Sex Crime Attorney
Before becoming a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Attorney L. Patrick Mulligan was a prosecutor for Montgomery County. He prosecuted more than 180 felony cases. His first-hand insight as to how prosecutors approach cases allows him to strategically represent accused individuals. Additionally, our legal team brings more than 50 years of combined experience to the table, inspiring confidence in many of our clients.
We can assist you in the following ways:
- Remaining at your side during police interviews, where we'll keep the police honest and ensure that prosecutors, who ultimately decide whether or not to file charges, understand that this won't be an easy process for them.
- Helping you deal with the media, including internet media, which may take an interest in the case.
- Investigating the allegations of sex crimes against you thoroughly to build a strong defense.
- Utilizing our seasoned trial skills when defending you in court.
Hard-Hitting Defense for Your Sex Crime Charge
Known for being aggressive and hard-hitting, our team of Dayton sex crime lawyers is dedicated and determined. Our goal is to minimize the penalties you may face or to have your charges dismissed. L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC is on your side. We serve clients in Hamilton, Brown, Allen, Clermont, Warren, Montgomery, and Butler counties.
Contact Our Dayton Sex Crime Lawyer
A conviction for a sex crime can have devastating consequences, including incarceration, hefty fines, and long-term damage to your reputation and personal relationships. That's why it's crucial to have a skilled and experienced legal advocate on your side. With L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and diligence.
If you or a loved one is facing sex crime allegations in Dayton, Ohio, don't wait to seek legal representation. Contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future
Please contact us at (937) 685-7006 to learn more about how our Dayton sex crime attorneys can assist with this serious matter.
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At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it."
Extremely pleased with L. Patrick Mulligan and Associates. They helped me through every step of the process and worked hard for me. I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it. Thank you!
- Megan -
"Patrick and his team are the only choice!"My husband was forced to defend himself at our home but that put him in jail. I first went with another lawyer, Mike Mills, who took my money and that was it. Feeling hopeless, I contacted Patrick’s team and they didn’t disappoint. Within 3 hours, Patrick was at jail speaking with my husband and a few days later, Patrick had him home. When you call the office, everyone helps you. You are not just another case to them; I know and experienced it. They are a team you want to be on your family’s side! Thank you Patrick and Laura and team - you are the best, thank you!- Jackson
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"When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging."My family and I have used Patrick for different cases. A child custody as well as DUI. Initially you may feel scared and want to keep calling but in the end he has always proven that he is the best of the best. When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging. He knows what he's doing. Child custody WON! DUI best possible outcome! I wouldn't hire anyone but him. I highly recommend! Thanks Mr. Mulligan and staff!- Satisfied Client
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"You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support."I want to personally thank you, Patrick and everyone else who did an amazing job on my cases. I've unfortunately dealt with a lot of attorney's over the years and you guys were the first one's I've ever trusted or felt that you really did what you said you were going to do!! Myself and my family couldn't thank you enough. You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support.- Brian
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"Best Lawyer ever."Patrick Mulligan took on my case in May 1996 not knowing how things would go. My case being his first Big case. He saved my life. I have still to this day will always remember and be Thankful to him for trusting and believing in me. I was a mother of a daughter 19 months old who as killed by my boyfriend at the time. The state tried to prove me for child endangering and wanting me to serve 18 months in prison. Parick didnt know until that point what he had gotten into . Patrick did everything he could to prove I was a good mother. It was almost a year after my daughters life was taken. We went to trail and I stood on the stand with all my friends and Dr.'s. Patrick worked so hard for me and we won and here I am 15 years later . I found his web site and had to tell my story. Anyone who needs his help he will work as hard as he can for anyone he believs in. I'm so gald to see he is still in Cinti helping people. Thank you Patrick. I will talk to you soon.- Stacy
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"I would recommend him to anybody."Patrick Mulligan is one of the few attorney's in Dayton that takes no bullshit I would recommend him to anybody- Justin
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"Help in the Middle of the Night"Mr. Mulligan made all the difference in my case. Through his yellow page ad, I was able to reach him in the middle of the night, after my ex-wife had me falsely arrested for Domestic Violence Verbal. He was prompt in coming to my assistance. He went out of his way to help reach my family so that they could get me released from holding. He answered all my questions and walked me through the entire process. He was able to get the results I was hoping for at the pre-trial, so that we did not actually have to go through an actual trial. Mr. Mulligan exceeded all my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in a similar unfortunate situation. He was a Godsend for me.- Mark