Skip to Content
The Meranda Law Firm LTD The Meranda Law Firm LTD
Free Consultation 614-707-4239
Top
Sex Crimes

Columbus Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Defending Your Rights Against Sex Crime Charges in Columbus

Like all other states, Ohio looks very seriously upon sex crimes and levies stiff penalties upon conviction. When facing such charges, it is in your best interest to seek the help of a sex crime lawyer in Columbus who can investigate your case and build a defense to fight the charges you are facing.

Sex crime investigations often move quickly, and you may be contacted by detectives or investigators from agencies in Columbus or Franklin County who are gathering statements and evidence. Before answering questions or agreeing to any interviews, it can be critical to talk with a Columbus Sex Crime Attorney who understands how your words might be used against you later in court. We can guide you on how to handle contact from law enforcement while we begin protecting your rights from the very start of the case.


Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD at (614) 707-4239 to schedule your consultation today, or get in touch with us online using our easy-to-use online contact form.
 

Sex Crime Cases We Handle

Each of these charges has the potential to disrupt your life. Don't go through this time without trusted legal representation! Contact our dedicated team today if you are ready to start building your defense. Our sex crime attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, have a history of proven results you can rely on!

Arrested for a sex crime? Turn to The Meranda Law Firm LTD today to start discussing your defense. Contact us today!

Penalties That Come with Sex Crime Conviction in Ohio

Sex crimes can lead to severe penalties that turn a person's life upside down for months, years, or even for the rest of the foreseeable future. Once convicted of a sex offense, a person could face a lengthy jail sentence and living restrictions and may even lose out on their dream job. These consequences can lead to a lifetime of hardship in the form of shattered personal relationships and difficulty finding employment.

Penalties for sex crimes in Ohio include:

  • Heavy fines
  • Jail or prison sentence (especially for federal crimes)
  • Mandatory registration as a sex offender
  • Psychological treatment

Even if you are only being investigated for a sex crime and have not been formally charged, you must secure the services of a Columbus sex crime attorney who can determine the facts of the case and challenge the validity of the accusations. You are able to view the details of your sex crime case and stay informed online through the Licking County Clerk of Courts.

In addition to prison time and fines, a conviction can also affect where you are allowed to live, who you may have contact with, and whether you can continue certain professional licenses. Courts in Columbus and surrounding areas apply Ohio sex offender registration laws strictly, so the classification level you receive can shape your daily life for years. By working closely with a sex crime attorney, Columbus defendants can discuss ways to challenge the evidence, address registration issues, and pursue alternatives that may lessen the long-term impact of the case.

What To Do If You Are Under a Sex Crime Investigation

Many people first learn they are under investigation when a detective calls, an employer raises concerns, or they receive a notice to appear in court in Franklin County or a nearby jurisdiction. In these early stages, what you say and do can significantly affect how charges are filed and how strong the case becomes against you. Reaching out quickly to a Columbus Sex Crime Lawyer allows you to get specific guidance before making statements, turning over devices, or consenting to searches.

During an investigation, law enforcement may ask to search your home, phone, or computer, or request that you come to a station in Columbus for a recorded interview. You always have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney with you during questioning. When you consult with a Columbus Sex Crime Attorney, we can help you evaluate whether to cooperate in certain ways, how to respond to requests from investigators, and how to avoid unintentionally waiving important protections.

It is also wise to preserve any information that may help your defense, such as text messages, social media communications, or work records that show where you were at the time of the alleged incident. We can coordinate with you to gather these materials and prepare for potential hearings in courts such as the Franklin County Municipal Court or the Licking County Municipal Court. By acting early and strategically, you give us more opportunities to address concerns with prosecutors, clarify misunderstandings, and try to resolve issues before they escalate into the most serious possible charges.

Contact Us If You’re Facing Investigation for Sexual Assault in Columbus

The Meranda Law Firm, Ltd. has more than 15 years of legal experience and has represented individuals in all types of sex crime cases, from those involving rape to those that involve child pornography. We provide focused, in-depth representation to each client, fully examining their charges to build the strongest possible case. Both attorneys Zachuary Meranda and Edward Itayim have been selected to the 2014-2015 Super Lawyers® Rising Stars ℠ lists.

When you reach out to our firm, we take the time to learn what happened from your point of view, review any charging documents or notices from the Franklin County Municipal Court or the Common Pleas Court, and explain what to expect at each stage. A Columbus Sex Crime Lawyer from our team can discuss options such as pre-indictment advocacy, negotiations with prosecutors, and preparing for hearings or trial so that you can make informed decisions instead of feeling rushed or pressured.

Are you being investigated for a sex offense in Columbus or Newark? Contact a Columbus sex crime lawyer from The Meranda Law Firm LTD today for swift legal assistance. 

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “An Attorney That Will Give You His All!”
    Zach is incredibly professional and will work as hard as he can for you, no matter how big or small your case is. He shows genuine concern and interest in his client and the situation. He is straight forward and honest. Zach was the third attorney on my case and the only one that actually took the time to become familiar with my case. He was not intimidated as my previous attorneys were and his competency resulted in my case ending in a very satisfying outcome.
    - Rylan Burrie
    “Great work!!”
    Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!
    - Pfeifer
    “Great Lawyer”
    I hired Mr. Meranda to represent me in a case and he did an excellent job. I am very pleased with the results of the case. Mr. Meranda was very professional and honest. He's is definitely a straight shooter. Thank you Mr. Meranda.
    - Aaron Jacks
    “Excellent job!”
    We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.
    - Anonymous
    “I Would Recommend Him to Everybody”
    I am very happy with The Meranda Law Firm. I hired Mr. Meranda to help me with a case and i am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend him to everybody he's a very good lawyer.
    - Kristina Poulton
    “I Highly Recommend The Meranda Law Firm”
    I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.
    - Payton R
    “I Highly Recommend The Meranda Law Firm to Anyone Seeking Help”
    Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.
    - Anonymous
    “Highly Recommend Meranda Law Firm”
    I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.
    - Alexandria Trejo

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • Should I be worried if I am innocent?
    The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
  • What important legal rights am I entitled to?
    If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
  • Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
    When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.