Cleveland Gross Sexual Imposition Attorney
We Believe Everyone Deserves a Powerful Defense
Being charged with gross sexual imposition (GSI) in Ohio is a serious legal matter that can bring immediate and long-term consequences. These allegations can affect your freedom, your reputation, your career, and your relationships, often before your case ever reaches the courtroom.
When the stakes are this high, you need a criminal defense team that understands Ohio sex crime law and knows how to challenge the prosecution’s case from every angle.
At Patituce & Associates, we defend people throughout Cleveland and all of Ohio who are facing gross sexual imposition charges. Our approach is strategic, thorough, and focused on protecting your rights at every stage of the criminal process.
Why Patituce & Associates Should Be Your First Call
Our firm is led by Attorney Joseph Patituce, a highly credentialed criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience handling serious felony cases.
Joe Patituce brings qualifications that few defense attorneys in Ohio can match:
- One of only eight board-certified criminal trial attorneys in Ohio
- Former prosecutor with insight into how the state builds criminal cases
- Over 20,000 criminal cases handled
- More than 400 jury trials with a 95% sucess rate
- Licensed to practice in Ohio state courts, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court
- Featured on national news outlets like ESPN, CNN, NBC, Fox News, and more
What Is Gross Sexual Imposition in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.05, gross sexual imposition involves nonconsensual sexual contact under specific circumstances defined by statute. Unlike rape charges, GSI does not require sexual conduct, but it still carries severe penalties and lasting consequences.
You may be charged with gross sexual imposition if the prosecution alleges that sexual contact occurred and that:
- The alleged conduct was compelled by force or threat of force
- The accused substantially impaired the alleged victim’s judgment or control
- The alleged victim was under a certain age
- The alleged victim was unable to consent due to a mental or physical condition
- The accused held a position of authority or trust
These criminal cases often rely heavily on statements, interpretations of intent, and credibility determinations rather than physical evidence alone. That makes early, experienced legal representation especially important.
Call (440) 771-1175 now for a free consultation. We're available 24/7.
We understand that your specific situation requires individualized attention, and we are dedicated to providing just that.
No Case is Hopeless
We Don't Back Down. Ever.
Explore some of our recent wins.
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Case Dismissed CLEVELAND V. AL-NAZER (2012 TRC 040781)
Our client was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
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Not Guilty At Trial ROCKY RIVER V. D.F.
Client was charged with domestic violence against his wife.
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Plea and Record Expunged STATE V. BAILEY, CUYAHOGA
Client was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of property.
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Charges Dismissed State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County
Student charged with the manufacturing of ecstasy.
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Case Dismissed STATE V. J.S. (A JUVENILE) YOUNGSTOWN
Local counsel pushed for a plea to one of the sex related charges.
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Acquittal State v. Tevin Biles
Client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party.
How Gross Sexual Imposition Is Classified Under Ohio Law
The severity of a gross sexual imposition charge in Ohio depends on how the alleged conduct occurred and the age or condition of the alleged victim.
Fourth-Degree Felony
Gross sexual imposition is generally classified as a felony of the fourth degree when it involves:
- Force or threat of force used to compel sexual contact
- Impairment caused by drugs or intoxicants, when the substance was not a controlled substance
- Knowledge that the alleged victim was impaired due to drugs or alcohol administered for medical or dental treatment
- Mental or physical impairment or advanced age, when the offender knew or reasonably should have known the person could not consent
Third-Degree Felony
Gross sexual imposition becomes a felony of the third degree in more serious circumstances, including:
- The alleged victim is under 13 years old, regardless of whether force was used
- Intentional, non-consensual touching of a child under 12, when the touching is not through clothing and is done for sexual gratification, abuse, or humiliation
- Drug-facilitated impairment involving a controlled substance, when the offender surreptitiously or forcibly administers the drug
Penalties for Gross Sexual Imposition in Ohio
The penalties for a gross sexual imposition conviction in Ohio depend on the degree of the offense, the facts of the case, and the accused person’s criminal history. Even in cases that do not involve sexual intercourse, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
Fourth-Degree Felony Penalties
If gross sexual imposition is charged as a fourth-degree felony, potential penalties include:
- 6 to 18 months in prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Post-release control (supervision after prison)
- Sex offender registration, typically Tier I or Tier II, depending on the circumstances
- Permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing
Courts may impose community control (probation) in some F4 cases, but prison remains a possibility.
Third-Degree Felony Penalties
If gross sexual imposition is charged as a third-degree felony, penalties increase significantly:
- 1 to 5 years in prison
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Presumption of a prison sentence in cases involving minor victims
- Mandatory prison terms if the accused has a prior qualifying sex offense involving a child under 13
- Sex offender registration, often Tier II or Tier III
- Lengthy post-release control
In cases involving children, judges have limited discretion and are often required by law to impose incarceration.
Mandatory Prison Terms in Certain Cases
Ohio law requires a mandatory prison sentence for third-degree felony GSI when:
- The offender has a prior conviction for a qualifying sex offense
- The prior offense involved a victim under the age of 13
Mandatory prison terms must fall within the statutory prison range for a third-degree felony, removing the option of probation.
Additional Consequences
Beyond prison and fines, a GSI conviction may also result in:
- Lifetime consequences related to sex offender registration
- Loss of civil rights, including firearm rights
- Severe damage to reputation and personal relationships
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
How We Defend Gross Sexual Imposition Charges
No two GSI cases are alike. We take the time to examine the specific facts, evidence, and legal issues involved in your case before developing a defense strategy tailored to you.
Our defense process for your GSI case may include:
- Analyzing whether the alleged conduct meets the statutory definition of GSI
- Challenging the credibility or consistency of witness statements
- Examining whether consent was present or legally required under the circumstances
- Reviewing police conduct for constitutional violations
- Evaluating forensic, medical, or digital evidence
- Filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
- Preparing for trial when negotiation does not serve your interests
From investigation through resolution, we focus on protecting your rights and insisting that the prosecution is held to its burden of proof.
Strategic, Trial-Ready Defense Approach
Being prepared as though every case will go to trial is a key part of our strategy. Prosecutors recognize when they are facing a defense team that is ready, experienced, and unafraid to litigate aggressively. We approach every GSI case with that mindset. Whether your case involves negotiation, pretrial motions, or courtroom litigation, we focus on positioning you as strongly as possible at every stage.
Call Us 24/7 for a Free Consultation
If you are under investigation or have been charged with gross sexual imposition in Cleveland or anywhere in Ohio, the decisions you make right now matter. Early legal representation may allow us to preserve evidence and better protect your rights during initial questioning.
Call (440) 771-1175 to speak with an attorney if you've been charged with gross sexual imposition in Ohio.
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We Know the Legal System
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the legal system and local courts, helping you navigate your case efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
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We Give You Peace of Mind
Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. With our team on your side, you can focus on your life while an experienced professional handles your defense.
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We Fight For Your Rights
Police and prosecutors sometimes push the limits of the law. We work to protect your rights and prevent unconstitutional evidence from being used against you.
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We Build A Strategic Defense
Fighting criminal charges requires a strong strategy. Our experienced team builds a defense tailored to the specific facts of your case.
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We Work to Mitigate Consequences
One of the main benefits of hiring our Ohio criminal defense attorneys is our ability to help reduce the potential consequences of a conviction.
