Types of Internet Sex Crimes

Internet sex crimes include:

Solicitation amounts to offering sexual pleasure for pay.

Solicitation of a Minor is the act of trying to induce an individual under the age of majority (18 years old in Ohio) into sexual acts.

Online assault may include violent acts conducted on the Internet such as threats or unwanted sexual advances. The assault results in emotions of fear or anxiety on the part of the victim.

Internet Sex CrimesCyberbullying is committed when minors use the Internet or text messaging to harass, tease, or torment other minors. The perpetrator’s age and victim’s age set this crime apart from cyberstalking, which involves adults instead of minors as victims and offenders. Cyberbullying may be charged under Ohio’s telecommunications harassment law when the defendant anonymously uses a telecommunication device (phone, text message, computer) to harass or threaten the victim. It includes sending sexually suggestive messages after the victim has requested the caller to stop sending those messages. (Oh. Rev. Code Ann. §2917.21.)

Cyberstalking is a crime of repeated (twice or more) unwanted contact, harassment, sexual advances, or threats of violence using the internet, email, cell phones or text messages. Cyberstalking may involve attempts by the offender to damage the victim’s identity, bring the victim harm, or simply annoy the victim by signing them up for unwanted email, or damage their victim’s computer data or equipment. Like Cyberbullying, Cyberstalking can arouse emotional responses in victims, such as fear or annoyance. Cyberstalking is covered under Ohio Revised Code Menacing by Stalking.

Online sexual exploitation of children: This crime occurs when a child predator uses the Internet to establish relationships with children online, usually with the intent of taking the relationship into the physical world. Social networks, chat rooms and message boards have become easy places for offenders to make these sinister connections with children who are online. According to the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Network:

Chat rooms, social media, file sharing, and mobile apps have become extremely popular for children in today’s society. Unfortunately, this technology can be dangerous to children, either through their own actions or their interactions with others.  The Internet has created a virtual playground that has allowed individuals to hide their true identity while gaining access to a variety of personal information. In the wrong hands, this information can be used to harass, threaten or intimidate children, further putting them at risk.

Need an Internet sex crimes attorney in Ohio?

Internet sex crimes charges leave an electronic trail, making defense against these charges imperative. Cyberstalking, cyberbullying, online solicitation or online exploitation of a child are serious charges that demand defense. Authorities may have been conducting a covert investigation for months prior to proffering charges.  These crimes carry a social stigma that may destroy your life and livelihood. Sex offender registration is lifelong and publicly accessible. If you’re facing internet sex crimes charges in Ohio, you need an experienced attorney who will review your case and create a strategy to either win the case or mitigate the potential damage to your record. The skilled, trusted legal representation Probst Law Office offers the help you need to be sure you have the best representation possible in fighting sex crimes charges. Get the experience that you need and deserve when you hire Michael Probst as your attorney.  Contact Michael today for your free consultation, or call now at 614-232-8890.