Statutory Rape Attorney in Cleveland

Former Public Defender. 90% Success Rate. Fighting for Cleveland Clients Since 2009.

A statutory rape accusation doesn’t wait for a convenient moment, and neither should your defense. In Ohio, what’s commonly called statutory rape is formally charged as unlawful sexual conduct with a minor under ORC § 2907.04. A conviction can mean prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and consequences that follow you for decades. The attorney you retain in the first hours after an accusation can shape everything that follows.

At Mastandrea Law, LLC, Rod Mastandrea brings over 14 years of criminal defense experience and a background as a former Cuyahoga County public defender to every case. Since 2009, we’ve represented more than 5,000 clients in local courts across Northeast Ohio, with a 90% overall criminal defense success rate. We know these courts, these prosecutors, and how these cases are built.

Call us now at (216) 306-5105 to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we offer phone, virtual, and in-person meetings.

How Ohio Law Defines Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor

Ohio’s age of consent is 16. Under ORC § 2907.04, any person 18 or older who engages in sexual conduct with a minor between 13 and 15 years of age can face this charge, regardless of whether the minor appeared to consent. The prosecution must prove that the alleged victim was under the age of consent, that the defendant was 18 or older, that sexual conduct as defined by Ohio law occurred, and that the defendant knew or was reckless in not knowing the alleged victim’s age. The burden of proof rests entirely with the state.

The charge level depends in part on the age gap between the defendant and the alleged victim. When the offender is less than four years older than the minor, the charge may be reduced to a first-degree misdemeanor. When the offender is 10 or more years older, the charge can rise to a third-degree felony.

Penalties & Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction

An unlawful sexual conduct with a minor charge can be filed as a first-degree misdemeanor, a fourth-degree felony, a third-degree felony, or, in cases involving a prior qualifying conviction, a second-degree felony. Penalties can include prison time, substantial fines, probation, and restitution.

Beyond the courtroom, a conviction can trigger registration on Ohio’s sex offender registry under ORC Chapter 2950. Ohio places sex offenders into three tiers, and the tier assigned determines how frequently you must register and for how long: 15 years for Tier I, up to lifetime registration for Tier III. The registry is publicly accessible and includes your name, photo, home address, and conviction details. Restrictions on where you may live and work, damage to professional licenses, and the strain on personal relationships are consequences that extend far beyond any sentence served.