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If you have been charged with corruption of minors or unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, you need experienced legal representation immediately. Under Ohio law, corruption of a minor is a sex crime, and it can lead to severe criminal penalties. Jail time, prison time, expensive fines, and registration on the sex offender list are all possibilities if you are convicted of this crime. A corruption of minors lawyer on our team can help defend your rights in and out of court.
At HMW Law, our team of attorneys has decades of experience serving clients in and around Ohio. We are confident that no matter what criminal charge you are facing, our team can assist you. You deserve a team of Ohio corruption lawyers who will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome in your case. For more information and to receive a free consultation, contact our legal team by calling 216-369-1352.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crime charges involving a minor defense lawyer serving Cleveland, call 216-774-0000
What is Corruption of a Minor in Ohio?
Under the Ohio Revised Code, corruption of a minor is classified as a sex crime. There are a few main elements that the criminal offense must contain to be considered corruption of a minor.
Those elements include:
- The defendant is 18 years of age or older
- The defendant engaged in sexual conduct with another person
- The other person was not the spouse of the defendant
- The defendant knew that the other person was between 13 and 16 years of age
Sexual conduct refers to vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, or fellatio. Ohio law specifies that any penetration is sufficient enough to complete sexual intercourse.
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What Are the Potential Penalties for Corruption of a Minor?
The penalties for corruption of a minor vary depending on what you are charged with and your age relative to the victim’s age. Penalties range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
If you are convicted, you could face the following criminal penalties:
First-Degree Misdemeanor
If you and the victim are less than four years apart, you will face a first-degree misdemeanor charge. You could face up to 180 days in jail for this offense.
Fourth-Degree Felony
If you are between four and ten years older than the victim, you will face a fourth-degree felony charge. If convicted, you will face 6 to 18 months in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.
Third-Degree Felony
For a third-degree felony charge, you must be ten years older than the victim. You could face one month to five years in prison plus $10,000 in fines.
Second-Degree Felony
If you have a prior conviction for corruption of a minor on your record, you will face a second-degree felony. You could serve between two and eight years in prison plus fines of up to $15,000.
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What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Conviction?
Because corruption of a minor is a sex crime, prison time and fines are not the only consequences you will face if you are convicted. The judge may sentence you to counseling that is designed to treat sex offenders. You will also be required to register as a sex offender, which comes with its own rules and regulations that must be followed.
You may be deported from the United States or face a denial of your naturalization rights if you are convicted. Landing a job and securing housing may also be difficult, as your criminal conviction will appear on any background check. You will likely not be eligible to apply for certain government assistance programs or educational institutions.
The best way to avoid these penalties is by working with a corruption of a minor attorney. Our team has experience in a wide variety of criminal cases, and we are confident we can assist you.
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What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for You?
A corruption of a minor charge can lead to severe consequences, even if it is your first offense. A criminal defense lawyer on our team will gather evidence to support your legal defense strategy. Using our years of experience and our legal backgrounds, we will fight to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.
Our team at HMW Law understands how overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges. We are dedicated to serving our clients and getting them the outcomes they deserve. For more information about how we can assist you, contact our law office at 216-369-1352.
Call or text 216-774-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form