Gross Sexual Imposition is a serious criminal offense that includes sexual assault and a variety of illegal and non-consensual sexual acts with physical contact. These are all felony sex offenses that can result in a prison sentence, as well as being registered as a sex offender.
Any such accusation, charge, and arrest is extremely serious and no doubt incredibly difficult for the person accused.
When faced with a sexual assault charge that is potentially life altering, you need the help of a very experienced criminal defense lawyer. Any sex offense carries a serious stigma, and sometimes you will find that no one else is on your side other than your attorney.
The courts are not going to cut you a break and go easy on you. You will need to fight for your freedom. Call us today to speak with an Ohio attorney in your area who will listen to you.
What is Gross Sexual Imposition?
Under Ohio law, gross sexual imposition involves sexual assault that either uses A) force or threats, or B) other means to limit and restrict consent.
Sexual consent may be legally absent in the case of drug or alcohol intoxication, a mental or physical condition on the part of the victim where he or she is unable to consent, or consent is not possible by statute, such as with a victim under the age of 13.
Acts of gross sexual imposition differ from rape in that in involves no intercourse, oral sex or other penetration. GSI consists of nonconsensual touching of erogenous zones for the purpose of arousal or sexual gratification.
Gross Sexual Imposition Penalties
GSI is either a third or fourth-degree felony.
It is a 4th-degree felony in most cases, which carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5000.
In cases of the accused willfully rendering the victim to be without consent by deceptively or by force administering drugs or alcohol, Gross sexual imposition is a 3rd-degree penalty, which has a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
In cases where the victim is 12 or younger, it is always a 3rd-degree felony.
Ref: Ohio Revised Criminal Code, Chap 2907, Sec 5.
How Do You Defend Against a Gross Sexual Imposition (GSI) Charge?
There is no simple answer to this question, it is completely case dependant and situational. If you are being falsely accused of this charge or are otherwise being treated unfairly, in either case, we have a lot of work to do to protect your rights and prepare a defense.
A plea deal for a charge reduction may be an option if the state’s case is weak and the evidence against you is this.
Any situation where we can negotiate to take prison time of the table and work to avoid you being added to the federal and state criminal sex offender registry may be a good outcome.
The one factor that is true in all felony sex offense cases is that you need an aggressive defense as quickly as possible to preserve and execute all possible legal defense options.
Please call us today for legal advice and help in this difficult situation.
