Strong Defense Against Sex Crime Charges
If you are accused of child molestation, sexual battery, rape or another sex-related crime, your freedom, your reputation and your future are at stake. Without a strong sex crimes lawyer at your side, you could potentially be facing years in prison, loss of your job and separation from your minor children, as well as years of registration as a sex offender. When such serious consequences are on the line, you need the best possible defense.
If you are accused of child molestation, sexual battery, rape or another sex-related crime, your freedom, your reputation and your future are at stake. Without a strong sex crimes lawyer at your side, you could potentially be facing years in prison, loss of your job and separation from your minor children, as well as years of registration as a sex offender. When such serious consequences are on the line, you need the best possible defense.
Why Having A Former Prosecutor As Your Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Makes Sense
Mr. La Rue is a highly respected sex charges lawyer with more than 25 years of trial experience — he offers a long track record of success for his clients in and outside the courtroom. As a former prosecutor, Mr. La Rue has the insight and skill to predict prosecution strategies, assess gaps in law enforcement investigations, and uncover evidence that can be used in his clients’ favor. He prides himself on thorough investigation, persuasive negotiation, and passionate trial presentation. You can put him to work as your sex charges attorney today.
A Sex Crimes Lawyer With Years of Trial Experience
The law office of Edward R. La Rue, Attorney at Law, offers an aggressive defense strategy against a wide range of sex crimes charges, including:
- Rape and date rape
- Child molestation and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
- Corruption of a minor
- Gross sexual imposition
- Child enticement
- Sexual battery and sexual assault
- Child pornography and online solicitation
- Public indecency
- Importuning
- Pandering obscenity
Make sure your rights are protected. Your freedom may depend on the outcome of your case. Sex crimes lawyer Edward La Rue has the skills and legal resources to develop the most effective defense strategy possible. If a conviction is unavoidable, he will seek to mitigate potential penalties through his effective negotiation skills.
If you are in the Cleveland area or anywhere in Ohio, sex crimes defense lawyer Edward R. La Rue offers that defense. For a free initial consultation, call his office today at 216-696-8995.
Notable Cases
- State of Ohio v. Anthony Shelton, CR-401969 (Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas). Edward R. La Rue obtained a not guilty verdict for all charges in a 13-count indictment related to the [alleged] rape of a 12 year old, charges that would have resulted in a life sentence without parole had the defendant been convicted.
- State of Ohio v. Rasmieh Salti, Case No. CR-523777, before the Honorable Timothy J. McGinty. Twenty-three felony charges that held the potential for life sentences of incarceration (without parole), including eight counts of rape, seven counts of child endangering, one count of gross sexual imposition and seven counts of kidnapping alleged by a minor child against her stepmother were all dismissed by the state of Ohio with the defendant’s plea of guilty to one misdemeanor count of child endangering.
- State of Ohio v. Blake Cruz, Case No. CR-422743. Mr. La Rue obtained a not guilty verdict on charges of two counts of gross sexual imposition and two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- State of Ohio v. Victor Keshishian, Case No. CR-434070. Mr. La Rue obtained not guilty verdicts on all charges, including rape, kidnapping with sexual motivation specifications and gross sexual imposition counts against an alleged victim who was a local John Carroll University scholarship recipient.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Ohio
In Ohio, sex crimes are considered serious offenses, punished by fines, jail time and registration as a sex offender. As a leading sex crimes lawyer, Mr. La Rue has a deep understanding of the associated penalties, which depend on a number of factors, including whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony:
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses like voyeurism or public indecency usually are misdemeanors.
- Felonies: More severe crimes like sexual battery, rape or child molestation typically fall under this category.
Sex offender registration is a penalty that has far-reaching effects. Ohio law divides sex offenders into three groups. Here are the reporting requirements for each:
- Tier I: Registration once a year for 15 years.
- Tier II: Registration every 180 days for 25 years.
- Tier III: Registration every 90 days for life.
Not reporting on schedule can result in felony charges.
If you’re convicted of a sex crime, Mr. La Rue will use all of his expertise, resources and negotiation skills to ensure your sentence is as fair as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sex Crimes
A sex crime accusation can be terrifying, leaving you with many questions and few answers. As an experienced sex crimes defense attorney, Mr. La Rue has the information you need. Read on for some common questions.
What is the penalty for rape?
A first-degree felony, rape can be punished by a prison sentence of three to 11 years and up to a $20,000 fine. However, if the offender causes serious physical harm or the victim is under 10, the penalty can be a life sentence without parole.
What is the Penalty for Sexual Battery?
The penalty for sexual battery, which is a third-degree felony, is nine to 60 months in prison and a $15,000 fine. If the victim is under 13, it becomes a second-degree felony, which is punishable by a two- to eight-year prison sentence and a fine of $10,000.
Are All Sexual Offender Lists Public in Ohio?
In Ohio, all adult registration lists are open to the public. Offenders on all three tiers are included on Ohio’s Electronic Sex Offender Registration and Notification internet database. Any person with internet access can view the entire offender list.
