COVID-19 Message!

DURING THE PRESENT CORONA VIRUS SITUATION, THE ATTORNEYS AT TRIPLETT, MCFALL AND WOLFE ARE NOT ABLE TO SCHEDULE IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS IN THE OFFICE. WE ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU DURING BUSINESS HOURS, HOWEVER, AND CAN ARRANGE FOR TELEPHONE APPOINTMENTS AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. WHETHER YOU HAVE A NEW CASE OR CONCERN OR AN EXISTING MATTER WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO YOU. PLEASE CALL 937-593-6591 OR EMAIL US EITHER THROUGH THE CONTACT SECTION OF THIS SITE OR AT [email protected], AND WE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

Ohio’s sex trafficking law hurts victims

On Behalf of | Oct 21, 2019 | Criminal Defense

Sometimes laws have unintended consequences. This is true for Ohio’s sex trafficking law that seems to make victims into perpetrators. While society should stand up for and assist a victim of such a crime, Ohio law stands out in the nation as a big misstep in this area. This is prompting some groups to demand a change in the law to protect victims and focus more on those who are really responsible.

With Ohio ranking 4th among states for human trafficking, it is obvious stiff laws and harsh penalties are a must. However, the juvenile sex trafficking laws and the prostitution laws in the state are not protecting the victims they need to protect. While federal juvenile sex trafficking laws state that any minor who is sexually exploited is a victim of the crime and not a perpetrator, in Ohio, prostitution laws allow for a minor age 16 or 17 to face charges if he or she cannot prove being forced into the act. Only if he or she can prove an adult was responsible will the adult will face juvenile sex trafficking charges and the minor be free of charges.

The main motivation to change the law is that victims are being victimized a second time by having to face charges. Obviously, this is not an ideal situation as victims, especially children, should be able to find help from the law and not punishment. It may prevent some victims from coming forward. You might find it helpful to consult an attorney if you find your child facing such charges.

Source: The Enquirer