Child Molestation Defense Attorney in Columbus

Focused Criminal Defense for Columbus Residents Facing Serious Sex Crime Charges

A child molestation accusation sets off a legal process that moves fast and carries consequences that last a lifetime. Felony charges, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation and relationships are all on the table from the moment an investigation begins. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we handle criminal defense exclusively and represent clients facing these charges in Columbus, Franklin County, and the surrounding area. Our firm brings more than 15 years of legal experience and 45 years of combined attorney experience to every case we take.

Sex crime investigations in Franklin County don’t pause while you figure out your next move. Detectives may contact you before charges are filed, and what you say, and when you say it, can shape the entire case. Contact us before you speak to anyone.

If you or someone you know is facing a child molestation accusation in Columbus, call The Meranda Law Firm LTD now at (614) 707-4239 for a free consultation. We begin building a defense immediately.

Ohio’s Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor Statute

In Ohio, what is commonly called child molestation is charged under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.04, titled “unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.” The statute prohibits anyone 18 or older from engaging in sexual conduct with a person the offender knows to be at least 13 but under 16 years of age. Critically, it also applies when the offender is reckless about the victim’s age, meaning the prosecution doesn’t have to prove you knew exactly how old the alleged victim was. Under ORC 2901.22, recklessness means disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk with heedless indifference to the consequences.

Ohio law defines sexual conduct under ORC 2907.01 to include vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, fellatio, cunnilingus, and insertion of any body part or object into the vaginal or anal opening of another person. Franklin County prosecutors may also file related charges alongside or instead of ORC 2907.04, including gross sexual imposition under ORC 2907.05, rape under ORC 2907.02, and grooming under ORC 2907.071, which targets a pattern of conduct toward a minor that a reasonable adult would recognize as intended to entice or prepare the minor for sexual activity.

Penalties for a Child Molestation Conviction in Ohio

The degree of the charge under ORC 2907.04 depends primarily on the age difference between the accused and the alleged victim, and on the accused’s prior record. Each tier carries its own prison range and fine ceiling.

• Misdemeanor of the first degree: Applies when the offender is less than four years older than the victim. Carries up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Felony of the fourth degree (default): Applies in most cases absent aggravating factors. Carries a prison sentence of 6 to 18 months and fines up to $5,000.
• Felony of the third degree: Applies when the offender is 10 or more years older than the victim. Carries 1 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Felony of the second degree: Applies when the accused has a prior conviction for rape, sexual battery, or unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Carries 2 to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

A conviction also triggers mandatory sex offender registration under Ohio’s three-tier system. Tier I requires annual in-person verification for 15 years. Tier II requires verification every 180 days for 25 years. Tier III requires verification every 90 days for life. Registration affects where you may live, what employment you can hold, professional licensure, and who you may have contact with. These consequences follow a conviction long after any prison sentence ends.

Why Columbus Clients Choose The Meranda Law Firm LTD for Child Molestation Defense

Child molestation cases are emotionally charged, factually complex, and often turn on witness credibility rather than physical evidence alone. That’s why having a defense team that concentrates exclusively on criminal defense matters. We don’t divide our practice across unrelated areas. Every case we take is a criminal case, which means your case gets that same concentrated attention.

Recognized Attorneys & Firm Credentials

Two of our attorneys, Zachary Meranda and Edward Itayim, were named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars lists for 2014 and 2015, placing them among the top 2.5% of young attorneys in Ohio and Kentucky. Zachary Meranda also received the 2012 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award. Our firm is accredited by the Better Business Bureau®.

Representation from Investigation Through Appeals

We represent clients from the first sign of an investigation through arraignment, trial, and potential appeals. When you contact us, we start working. That means advising you on how to handle law enforcement contact before any statements are made, reviewing charging documents from Franklin County Municipal Court or the Common Pleas Court, and building your defense from day one. You’re kept informed and involved at every stage.

Start Your Defense Today with a Free Consultation

The earlier a child molestation defense attorney gets involved in your Columbus case, the more options may be available. Pre-indictment advocacy, evidence preservation, and early strategic decisions can all affect where your case goes. Don’t wait until charges are formally filed to get representation.

The Meranda Law Firm LTD offers a free initial consultation with a reasonable, tailored approach to fees. We serve clients in Columbus, Newark, and the surrounding area.

Call us today at (614) 707-4239 to speak with a member of our team and learn what your defense options may be.