Columbus sex crimes lawyer

Columbus Gross Sexual Imposition Lawyers

Skilled representation when you’re charged with sex crimes in Ohio

Sexual imposition is a crime involving sexual contact with someone other than your spouse. Sexual contact is not the same as sexual conduct, which is a key factor in charges of rape or sexual battery. Depending on the nature of the allegations, a gross sexual imposition conviction can be punishable by a prison sentence of up to 36 months. There are other severe consequences, including the requirement to register as a sex offender in Ohio.

At Soroka & Associates, LLC, we provide our clients with aggressive, experienced representation against sex crime charges. Our Columbus defense attorneys will tirelessly pursue the best possible outcome for you so that you can get your life back on track. All options for a defense strategy will be considered, including false accusations, tainted evidence, mistakes by the police, and others. We have a strong record of success for clients accused of and charged with sex crimes. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your case.

What is the crime of gross sexual imposition?

Ohio defines the sex crime of gross sexual imposition as follows: “No person shall have sexual contact with another, not the spouse of the offender; cause another, not the spouse of the offender, to have sexual contact with the offender; or cause two or more other persons to have sexual contact when any of the following applies:”

  • “The offender purposely compels the other person, or one of the other persons, to submit by force or threat of force.”
  • The offender gave the other person drugs or alcohol in an attempt to prevent their ability to resist, “by administering any drug, intoxicant, or controlled substance to the other person surreptitiously or by force, threat of force, or deception.”
  • The offender was significantly impaired by a drug, given to them for medical reasons.
  • One or more of the victims was under 13 – “whether or not the offender knows the age of that person.”
  • The other person could not resist or give consent because they were “substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age, and the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the ability to resist or consent of the other person or of one of the other persons is substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age.”

Further:

No person shall knowingly touch the genitalia of another, when the touching is not through clothing, the other person is less than twelve years of age, whether or not the offender knows the age of that person, and the touching is done with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

The term “sexual contact” used in this statute is different than the term “sexual conduct” that is used for charges of rape and sexual battery.

Sexual contact means: “Any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or, if the person is a female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person.”

Sexual conduct means: Vaginal intercourse between a male and female; anal intercourse, fellatio, and cunnilingus between persons regardless of sex; and, without privilege to do so, the insertion, however slight, of any part of the body or any instrument, apparatus, or other object into the vaginal or anal opening of another. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse.

What are the penalties for a conviction of gross sexual imposition in Columbus?

Gross sexual imposition is a felony of the fourth degree. The offense becomes a felony of the third degree if the person was under 13 and the offense involves knowingly touching the genitalia of another, when the touching is not through clothing. The offense of gross sexual imposition can be increased to a third-degree felony if the judgment of the victim was impaired by drugs, a controlled substance, or an intoxicant “surreptitiously or by force, threat of force, or deception.”

Being charged with a sex crime can carry permanent consequences. If convicted, a sex crime can result in incarceration, as well as required registration as a sex offender in the state of Ohio. Anyone convicted of a sex crime must fight against a lifelong stigma, making it difficult to maintain employment, housing, or permanent relationships. To ensure that your freedom is in good hands, it is vital to secure knowledgeable legal representation as quickly as possible.

How can your Columbus gross sexual imposition defense attorneys help?

At Soroka & Associates, our criminal defense lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys. We understand how each phase of your case works – from the identification stage, arrest, bail hearings, and preliminary hearings through the motions, negotiations, jury trial, and, if necessary, an appeal.

Each case is different. We discuss your defenses and overall case strategy with you. These can include challenging the exact language of the statute. This means challenging:

  • Whether the victim was impaired.
  • Whether any force or surreptitious behavior was involved.
  • Whether any required acts were purposeful.
  • Whether the conduct meets the definition of sexual contact.

If the prosecution cannot prove the required conditions beyond a reasonable doubt, your case should be dismissed or a not guilty verdict should be returned.

We also assert other defenses, such as the accuser fabricated what happened, the accuser was dishonest, the police acted improperly, or that you have an alibi.

Do I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted of gross sexual imposition?

Yes. Anyone convicted of gross sexual imposition must register as a Tier I offender. Tier I offenders must register every year for 15 years.  A Tier I sex offender, however, is not subject to community or neighbor notification.

Do you have a gross sexual imposition defense lawyer near me?

The Columbus office of Soroka & Associates is located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205. Our office is conveniently located close to I-71 and Rt. 23. We also meet clients at home or in detention if needed.

Speak with a respected Columbus defense lawyer now

It is critical that you speak with a lawyer immediately while your memory is still fresh about exactly what happened. At Soroka & Associates, we understand how scary it can be to be accused of a sex crime. Your liberty and your reputation are at stake. You need an experienced sex crime defense lawyer who understands how to handle these sensitive cases and how to argue your case before a jury. We’ll answer your questions, contest the government’s case, and speak to the public on your behalf. To discuss your rights and defenses, call us at 614-918-4078 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.