What is the crime of Gross Sexual Imposition in Ohio?
In Ohio, sex crimes such as Gross Sexual Imposition involves “sexual contact,” meaning the touching of another person’s erogenous area (thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or female breast), for the purpose of sexual gratification, when any of the following apply: (1) the offender uses force or threat of force; (2) the offender uses drugs or alcohol to substantially impair the other’s judgment or control and this is done secretly, by force, threat of force, deception, or in connection with a medical procedure; or (3) the other person is less than 13 years old.
Unlike the crimes of Rape and Sexual Battery, which involve “sexual conduct,” meaning vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex, the crime of Gross Sexual Imposition does not require sex, only a touching, when accompanied by force, threat of force, the use of drugs or alcohol to substantially impair the other, or a victim less than 13 years old.
Under any of these circumstances, Ohio’s Gross Sexual Imposition statute (Revised Code Section 2907.05) prohibits the touching of another person’s erogenous zone, causing another person to touch the offender’s erogenous zone, or causing two or more other persons to touch one of the other’s erogenous zone.
If the alleged victim is under the age of 12, there is an alternate method of committing the offense that does not require the touching to be for the purpose of sexual gratification. See Revised Code Section 2907.05(B).
If the alleged victim is under the age of 13, then the crime of Gross Sexual Imposition is a third degree felony and the penalties can be severe. In most other cases it is a fourth degree felony. Prison is mandatory in some circumstances.
If you, or any member of your family, has been charged with the offense of gross sexual imposition in Ohio, feel free to call our law firm James D. Owen, LLC for a free initial consultation.