Strict liability crimes are unique because they don’t require proof of intent or knowledge to result in a conviction. This means that even if someone didn’t mean to break the law or wasn’t aware they were doing something wrong, they could still be held responsible.

While this might seem unfair at first glance, strict liability laws are designed to encourage extra care in certain activities. If you’re facing charges like this, it’s important to know your options and get guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Examples of Strict Liability Crimes in Ohio

In Ohio, there are a number of strict liability crimes that it’s important to be aware of. Some of the most common include the following: 

  • Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor: Unlawful sexual conduct of a minor, more commonly referred to as statutory rape, involves sexual activity with someone under the age of legal consent, which is under 16 in Ohio. Whether or not the defendant knew the minor’s age or believed there was consent doesn’t matter. The law states that a minor legally cannot give consent.   
  • Selling alcohol to a minor: This occurs when someone provides or sells alcohol to a person who is under the legal drinking age. They are held responsible even if they didn’t know the individual’s real age or if the minor used a fake ID to mislead them. 
  • Speeding: If you exceed the speed limit, you’re liable, even if it was unintentional – for example, due to a broken speedometer. Claiming ignorance or equipment failure generally won’t hold up as a valid excuse. 
  • Driving without a valid license: If you’re caught driving without a valid license–whether it’s suspended, expired, or never obtained–you can be charged with driving without a license.  

No matter what strict liability crime you’re charged with, the best thing you can do is to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. 

Penalties For Strict Liability Crimes in Ohio

The consequences for strict liability crimes in Ohio vary depending on the specific offense and the circumstances surrounding the incident, but they often carry significant penalties. These can include some or all of the following:

  • Jail or prison time: Certain offenses, such as repeated instances of driving without a valid license when it was suspended because of a DUI conviction, may lead to incarceration. The length of the sentence will depend on whether the violation is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Charges as serious as unlawful sexual conduct with a minor can lead to jail or prison time as well. 
  • Probation: Instead of serving jail time, individuals may be placed on probation. This requires following strict conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, maintaining employment or going to school, taking drug tests, and avoiding further legal infractions. 
  • Fines: Monetary penalties are a common consequence of strict liability crimes as well. These fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the offense and any aggravating factors. 
  • License suspension: For traffic-related violations, such as speeding or driving without a valid license, offenders may face temporary or long-term suspension of their driving privileges. 
  • Community service: Courts may also require offenders to perform community service as part of their punishment. This serves as both a penalty and a way to contribute positively to the community. 

To mitigate the potential penalties you’re facing and give yourself the best chance of walking away without a criminal record, contact a criminal defense lawyer right away.

When you’re facing charges related to a strict liability crime, the right defense will depend on the details of your incident. However, there are a few strategies that lawyers often use to challenge these types of cases. Below are some of the most common:

  • Lack of evidence: One common defense is to argue that there isn’t enough evidence to prove you committed the offense. Every case relies on evidence, and if the prosecutor can’t provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime, your case won’t hold up in court. 
  • Entrapment: If you were pressured or coerced into committing the offense by law enforcement, you might have a valid entrapment defense. This strategy focuses on proving that you wouldn’t have engaged in the illegal activity if not for undue influence from authorities. 
  • Improper procedures by law enforcement: If the police or investigators didn’t follow the proper steps while handling your case, like obtaining evidence illegally, your lawyer might be able to get the evidence thrown out and the charges dropped.
  • Error by the Department of Transportation: Errors made by the Department of Transportation (DOT) can be used as a defense in cases involving driving with a suspended license. For instance, if your license was suspended due to an administrative mistake, such as an error in record-keeping or failure to provide proper notification of your suspension, you may be able to challenge the charges against you. 

To make sure you have the best possible defense, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney.

Contact the Dayton Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today

Strict liability crimes in Ohio can carry significant penalties, even when there was no intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. If you’re facing charges for a strict liability offense, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences and your available defenses.

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (937) 531-0435 or visit us at our Dayton Law Office.

Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Dayton
130 West Second Street #17-129
Dayton, OH 45402
United States