The Romeo and Juliet law in Ohio reduces the penalties for sexual conduct between a minor and an older teen or young adult when they are close in age.
It will typically apply if an offender is less than four years older than a minor, reducing a charge from a felony to a first-degree misdemeanor.
A Cleveland sex crime defense lawyer can answer questions about Ohio’s Romeo and Juliet law and other state regulations that may apply to a criminal case. They can help older teens and young adults who’ve been charged with sex offenses evaluate their legal options. If warranted, they can prepare a legal defense to protect a teen or adult against a sex crime conviction.
Expect your sex crime defense attorney to allocate substantial time and resources to your case. Depending on the circumstances of your charge, your lawyer may use Ohio’s Romeo and Juliet law to negotiate a plea deal that allows you to receive lesser penalties than those of a felony.
What Does the Romeo and Juliet Law in Ohio Mean?
In Ohio, the Romeo and Juliet law represents a legal defense or reduced penalties for consensual sexual activity between older teenagers or young adults and minors when they are only a few years apart in age.
Here are key factors to consider about the law and whether it can impact the outcome of a sex offense case:
- Applicability: The State of Ohio’s Romeo and Juliet law generally applies to consensual sexual conduct with a minor between someone who is 18 or older but less than four years older than a minor between the ages of 13 and 15.
- Reduced penalties: If an offender meets the criteria for reduced penalties defined by Ohio’s Romeo and Juliet law, their charge can be treated as a first-degree misdemeanor instead of a felony. When this happens, a conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to 180 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- Exceptions: The law doesn’t apply if there is a significant age gap, if the older person holds a position of authority (like a teacher or coach), or if the activity between the parties is non-consensual.
Ultimately, sex crimes are incredibly serious. As an older teen or young adult who’s been charged with a sex crime, it is in your best interests to seek legal help.
With legal guidance and support from a criminal defense lawyer who has knowledge of the Ohio Romeo and Juliet law, you could boost your chances of avoiding a felony conviction and the penalties that come with it.
For a free legal consultation, call 216-774-0000
What Will Happen if You Are Convicted of a Felony Sex Offense in Ohio?
The penalties that you will be subject to if you’re convicted of a felony sex crime in Ohio are more serious than those of receiving a misdemeanor conviction.
Below are some of the penalties that come with being convicted of a felony sex offense:
- Prison time
- Fines that can total thousands of dollars
- Having to register as a sex offender
Per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 2907.04, it is against the law to have sexual conduct with a minor. Thus, you could be subject to second– or third–degree felony penalties if you’re convicted of this crime.
However, there is a Romeo and Juliet provision. Because of this, older teens and young adults could get misdemeanor penalties based on their sex offense.
Can You Use the Romeo and Juliet Law of Ohio as a Legal Defense?
The Ohio State Romeo and Juliet law can serve as a part of a legal strategy for older teens and young adults who are charged with a sex crime in which they are less than four years older than a minor who is 13-15 years old. But ultimately, citing the law alone may not be enough to get a felony sex offense against you dropped or reduced to a misdemeanor.
Whom you choose as your legal representation will make a difference in your sex crime case. Partner with a criminal defense attorney who has earned many positive reviews from clients in cases similar to yours. Your lawyer will guide you through your litigation and help you make informed legal decisions every step of the way.
Your sex crime defense attorney can help you during the plea bargain process for your Ohio criminal case. During this process, your lawyer can go back and forth with the prosecution in the hopes of getting a plea deal that matches your expectations. If your attorney succeeds, you could receive a plea agreement that allows you to stay out of prison.
Click to contact our lawyers today
Want to Learn More About Ohio’s Romeo and Juliet Law?
Sex crime defense lawyers will share their legal insights with you. If you have been arrested for a sex crime and are ready to take the first step toward defending against a conviction, your attorney wants to help you in any way possible.
HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys gives you access to a legal team with more than 60 years of combined experience. Our criminal defense attorneys can teach you about the Romeo and Juliet law and other laws relating to your sex crime case.
Give us the opportunity to handle your legal matters as you deal with the aftermath of an arrest for a sex crime. To get started, schedule a free case consultation.
Call or text 216-774-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
