According to child abuse and neglect statistics, one out of seven children in the country is abused or neglected at some point in their lives. Thousands of children die every year due to child abuse. 

Child molestation is a very serious crime under Ohio law. This generally involves any sexual activity or inappropriate behavior directed towards a child.

Through terms like gross sexual imposition, rape, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, the prosecution can identify signs of a child predator and file a case against the accused. Understanding what is considered child molestation is important when it comes to ensuring legal clarity. 

What is the Legal Definition of Child Molestation in Ohio?

In Ohio, child molestation is prosecuted under several sections of the Revised Code. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.05, Gross Sexual Imposition, a person cannot have sexual contact with anyone less than 13 years old, regardless of whether or not they know their age. Additionally, touching the genitals of a minor who is less than twelve years old with the following intent is considered a gross sexual imposition:

• Abuse
• Humiliate
• Degrade
• Arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person

The Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.02, which talks about rape, further emphasizes the rule of not engaging in any form of sexual conduct with children under 13. In Section 2907.04, the law talks about unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Under this, a person who is 18 years or older cannot engage in sexual conduct when the offender knows the minor is thirteen years old but less than 16 years old.

Types of Acts That Constitute Child Molestation in Ohio

Child molestation includes various inappropriate sexual behaviors with a minor, such as:

• Any form of sexual conduct, including penetration and cunnilingus, as per the Ohio Revised Code Sections: 2151.031, 2907.01, and 2919.22.
• Fondling or groping a minor with sexual intention, including touching any erogenous zones.
• Attempted penetration.
• Exposure of private parts to a minor or forcing a child to expose themselves. 
• Using coercion, force, or manipulation to engage in child sexual behavior. 

Even without contact, exposing a child to sexual content or having sexually explicit conversations could lead to criminal charges. 

Age and Consent Consideration in Ohio

The age of a child plays a key role in determining the severity of the charges. Ohio’s age of consent is 16 years. This means anyone under 16 is legally unable to consent to sexual activity with an adult.

For children under 13, any sexual conduct is strictly prohibited. Between 13 and 15, sexual conduct may still be illegal, depending on the age difference. However, the law makes room for exceptions through the Romeo and Juliet law. This allows for close-in-age relationships where the age difference is not more than four years and both parties are above 13 but younger than 18. 

Penalties and Consequences of Child Molestation in Ohio

Child molestation charges in Ohio are classified as felonies. The penalties people can face include jail time and fines, depending on the felony degree.

The accused may also pay fines and penalties of up to $20,000. Anyone convicted of child molestation must register as a sex offender under Ohio’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORN).

Other repercussions of being convicted include loss of parental rights, employment, housing opportunities, and potential civil lawsuits. 

Child molestation is a big crime that carries life-altering consequences for both the accused and the victim. If you are accused of a crime, finding a good criminal defense attorney is in your best interests, as defending yourself on your own can be quite an ordeal. 

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