Rape Attorney in Centerville

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Rape Conviction in Ohio

In Ohio, rape is a serious felony offense. The legal penalties can be severe, and the collateral consequences can be even more devastating, creating barriers that can feel impossible to overcome. Our firm, Horwitz & Horwitz, is dedicated to protecting you from these severe penalties and consequences. As a dedicated Centerville rape lawyer, we will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life, your family, and your future.

Direct Penalties

The direct legal penalties for a rape conviction in Ohio are steep and often include:

• Incarceration: A prison sentence, which can be an indefinite term of up to life in prison.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching up to $20,000.
• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• Mandatory Registration: A conviction for rape requires mandatory registration as a sex offender, which is a severe and permanent consequence that will follow you for the rest of your life.
• Mandatory Counseling: The court may order you to attend various programs, such as sex offender treatment.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a sex crime can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and sex offenders are often barred from living in certain areas.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

Building a Strategic Defense for Rape Charges in Centerville

Every case is unique, and we develop a criminal defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. 

As a seasoned Centerville rape lawyer, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

• Consent: This is a powerful defense in a rape case. The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the sexual conduct was not consensual. We can argue that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct and that the prosecution has not proven otherwise.
• False Accusations: We can argue that the alleged victim fabricated the accusations out of anger, jealousy, or a desire for revenge. This is a common defense in cases where the accuser and accused know each other.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We will argue that the evidence presented is not sufficient to meet this high standard, either because the witness testimony is inconsistent or the forensic evidence is flawed.
• Mistaken Identity: We can argue that you have been misidentified as the person who committed the crime. This defense is particularly strong when the identification is based on a flawed witness lineup or a single, fleeting observation.
• Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.

Your Partner in Legal Challenges

Choosing Horwitz & Horwitz means partnering with a firm that prioritizes integrity and client relationships. Our clients appreciate our reasonable fees, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality. We focus on transparent communication, keeping you involved throughout the legal process and building trust through candid interactions.

Our firm leverages its deep-rooted local presence to ensure we are not just familiar but truly integrated into the fabric of the Centerville legal community. This provides our clients with an edge, as we have firsthand insights into how cases similar to yours have been previously handled and resolved in local courts.

Horwitz & Horwitz holds a reputation not just based on its legal successes, but also on its ability to build meaningful client relationships. We understand that trust is earned through actions, dedication, and consistent follow-through—all things that define our service ethos. Our goal isn’t just to defend you effectively but to do so in a manner that leaves you feeling supported and understood at every stage of your case.

Contact Us for Trusted Legal Guidance

If you're facing a rape accusation, you need a legal partner who offers clear advice and dedicated support. Horwitz & Horwitz is here to guide you through this challenging time. 

Call us at (937) 828-5534 or reach out online for a confidential consultation. We are ready to provide the supportive, informed, and personalized legal help you need.