Offense-Based Registry System for Ohio Sex Offenders

While some states work on an alternative, risk-based registry, which takes someone’s risk level and the specific offense into account before registering them, Ohio isn’t one of those states. Ohio is an offense-based registry state, meaning regardless of the nature of the offense or the perpetrator’s risk level, anyone convicted will be mandated to register into the Ohio sex offender registry. Those who fail to register can face a criminal charge and jail time, depending on the nature of their offense and offender Tier.

What Are the Three Sexual Offender Tiers in Ohio?

Tier I

Tier I involves less severe offenses than Tier II and III. This tier includes voyeurism, sexual imposition and public indecency in front of a minor. Those in this tier are believed to be at low risk of becoming repeat offenders and are subject to less stringent registration requirements, as their information is only available to specific government entities like schools and childcare facilities. The public and even most law enforcement agencies aren’t privy to the list for this Tier.

Those who have been convicted of a Tier I offense must register themselves every year for 15 years or 10 in some instances.

Tier II

Tier II pertains to sexual offenses that are more serious than Tier I but less severe than Tier III. This can include kidnapping people over the age of 18, unlawful sexual contact, child pornography and repeat Tier I offenders. Law enforcement agencies can access information on Tier II individuals, but the general public can’t.

Tier III

While the crimes in Tier I and II can be non-violent, those in Tier III typically are violent or predatory offenses, including rape, sexual battery, kidnapping minors, gross sexual imposition toward those under the age of 12 and murder with sexual motivation.

Because these individuals are deemed especially harmful and dangerous, they face stringent registration and reporting requirements. Their information, such as their name, addresses (home, work, etc.), vehicle, photo and the nature of their offense will be made available to the general public. Their spouse’s information will also become public if they're married. They must register themselves on the sexual offender registry every 90 days for the rest of their lives to ensure their information is always up to date.

Compensation for Victims of Sexual Assault

The fines convicted sex offenders must pay aren’t intended to compensate victims – and it would be somewhat insulting if they were, as they are typically nowhere near an adequate amount. Victims of sexual assault in Ohio can apply for compensation through Crime Victims Services, but the physical and psychological trauma these monstrous actions cause far exceed even the maximum potential compensation available through this program.

Unfortunately, there are no insurance policies for sexual assault liability – but that doesn’t mean victims and their families have no legal recourse. Victims of sexual assault can still pursue damages through a civil lawsuit against perpetrators, regardless of whether or not the perpetrator is convicted for their crimes.

Some offenders do have home insurance or umbrella policies that include liability coverage that may be applicable in a civil case. Alternatively, if the assailant was on the job when they committed the crime, their employer may share in liability. The owner of the property where the assault occurred could also be named as a defendant in a civil case for sexual assault.

Some perpetrators also have other assets that victims and families can pursue. Their home, vehicle or other assets could potentially be liquidated to provide compensation for the damage they caused.

We Aggressively Pursue Victims’ Rights to Civil Restitution in Ohio

You should never have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s heinous actions. The civil sexual assault attorneys at the Buckeye Law Group will pursue a civil case against the offender on your behalf. We’ll fight to increase your chances of securing full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. We only get paid if you receive a settlement offer or win in court, so you can trust that our team will work hard to get justice and secure maximum compensation.

Review the specifics of your case with a civil sexual assault attorney for free during a confidential, no-obligation consultation today by calling 1-800-411-PAIN.