Those charged with criminal sex crimes in Cincinnati could face years of jail time, fines of thousands of dollars, and the requirement to be added to a sexual offenders list. There is quite a bit at risk here. Understanding your rights, including the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Cincinnati, may help you defend against these claims. Talk to a Cincinnati sex crimes lawyer from The Wieczorek Law Firm today.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes in Ohio?
In Ohio, there are several factors to consider when determining the statute of limitations, including when the incident occurred and who is involved.
For Most Cases
In most situations, a person can pursue criminal charges against someone over a period of 20 years. This applies to sexual battery and rape. Once that 20-year period from the date of the incident expires, it is no longer possible to bring charges against this time. There are some instances in which a 5-year extension may be given due to DNA evidence, but that is not always the case.
In cases related to intentional assault or battery, adults have one year to sue the abuser if they know who that person is.
For Cases Involving Minors
In the case of minors, this statute of limitations is a bit different. Minors who have been assaulted have 12 years from the accrual date to take action. In many situations, that does not start until the minor reaches the age of 18. In most situations, that means that a minor who was sexually assaulted has until they reach the age of 30 to take action.
What to Do If You Are Charged
If you are charged with any type of sex crime in Cincinnati, take action right away. Demand to speak to your attorney before moving forward with any other information or questioning. Even if the case is very old, there are instances in which the court may allow for testimony, which could hurt your ability to protect yourself.
Your Attorney Can Fight Charges Past the Statute of Limitations
The details of your case matter. In some situations, a judge may allow someone to bring a claim against you beyond that date range. If that occurs, your attorney may use this limitation as a component of your defense strategy. Work closely with your attorney to learn what your rights are.
Choosing the Right Attorney Matters
At The Wieczorek Law Firm, we fully recognize the risks you are facing in these legal matters. If this is an old case, our attorney will help you determine if you could still face charges by:
- Gathering information from the police to determine what is being claimed against you.
- Creating a timeline to determine if we can prove that you did not commit the crime.
- Developing a legal strategy that shows you could not have caused the incident.
Each client faces a very different need. It is critical to work with a criminal defense attorney who can help you with old cases. You need to be sure you take action as soon as possible if you suspect you may be charged.