Sexual Imposition Lawyer
Criminal Offense Of “Sexual Imposition” In Ohio
Ohio law, specifically Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.06, defines the crime of “Sexual Imposition” as “sexual contact,” meaning the touching of another person’s erogenous area (thigh, genitals, buttock, public region, or female breast), when it comes to one of the following five situations:
(1) The accused is aware that the sexual touching is offending the other person, or is careless about it;
(2) The accused knows that the accuser cannot understand, control, or reject the touching, due to impairment involving drugs or alcohol;
(3) The accused knows that the other person, unaware of the sexual touching, is submitting as a result;
(4) The accuser is older than 13, but younger than 16 years of age; and the accused is over 18 years of age, and 4 years older than the alleged victim; and
(5) Possible scenarios resulting from professional relationships between the accused and accuser.
Importantly, the criminal offense of sexual imposition demands evidence other than testimony from the accuser. The Ohio Revised Code clearly states: “No person shall be convicted of a violation of this section (based) solely upon the victim’s testimony unsupported by other evidence” (ORC 2907.06 (B)).
“Sexual Imposition” is a misdemeanor offense in Ohio. It is almost always a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the accused has a prior sex crime conviction, however, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
“Gross Sexual Imposition” in Ohio
The Ohio Revised Code, Section 2907.5, defines the crime of Gross Sexual Imposition as “sexual contact.” Sexual contact here is taken to mean the touching of another person’s erogenous area (thigh, genitals, buttock, public region, or female breast), for the purpose, generally, of sexual gratification. This contact becomes illegal in any of the following situations:
(1) The accused compels the other person to submit, using force or threat of force;
(2) The accused uses drugs or alcohol to substantially impair the other’s judgment or control. Moreover, this is done with secrecy, force, the threat of force, deception, or done in connection with a medical procedure; or
(3) The other person is below 13 years of age. **
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 requires only contact, not sex. Under the above-mentioned 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 12 years of age, then there is an alternate method of committing the offense that requires a different kind of intent. Namely, the sexual contact involves an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse anyone’s sexual desire (See Revised Code Section 2907.05 (B)).
Have You Been Accused Of Sexual Or Gross Sexual Imposition?
Sex crimes are punished harshly in Ohio, and that includes any crimes related to sexual imposition. Sexual imposition is essentially defined as inappropriately touching another individual. It may arise in situations involving medical or other types of health professionals. It sometimes involves drugs, alcohol, or other forms of impairment on the victim’s part.
In some cases, however, the accusations are false and stem from an entirely separate motivation. In such a case it requires the help of a highly skilled criminal lawyer that has a proven track record defending these types of charges. Our firm understands how delicate sex crime allegations are, and does everything in its power to protect clients from harm. We have helped clear many clients’ names, and know how to deal with the media and other public relations outlets.
Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
When a sex crime is involved, your choice of a sex crime attorney in Columbus is possibly the most important aspect of your case. Being innocent is not enough, and that is demonstrated by the fact that many innocent people go to jail for alleged sex crimes. It is extremely important to act now, as the longer you wait, the more harm may be done to your case.
Our firm has proven time and time again that we have what it takes to win even the toughest criminal cases. If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime, you can trust your case to our highly skilled attorneys. Our firm has over 25 years of experience representing sex crimes.
If you, a friend, or relative faces an investigation in Columbus or central Ohio for the offense of sexual imposition, gross sexual imposition, or for any other sex offense, please contact one of the experienced criminal defense lawyers in our Columbus office for a free initial consultation.