The state of Ohio provides all vital essences of privacy and freedom to its citizens through its laws and regulations. However, the State of Ohio also implies some meaningful restrictions to prevent minor exploitation, child exploitation, abuse, and criminal offenses. In this article by the Congdon-Law, we’ll talk about the pornography laws in Ohio.
Pornography Laws in Ohio: What Kind of Porn is Restricted?
The pornography laws in Ohio strictly regulate child pornography to prevent child exploitation and abuse. it is illegal to produce, transport, share, possess, or receive child pornography in Ohio.
According to pornography laws in Ohio, any citizen under the age of 18 years is a minor or child. Hence, watching child pornography, through any medium like the internet, mobile devices, hard copy pictures, or in person, is illegal in Ohio.
Pornography Laws in Ohio: Is Watching Porn 100% Restricted?
Pornography or commonly known as porn is an activity that involves watching sexual acts. The laws in Ohio recognize adult pornography as a part of citizen rights. Technically, pornography was never entirely restricted in Ohio. However, there are some restrictions imposed by the Ohio pornography law to prevent sex crime and child pornography in the state.
For instance, viewing adult pornography content as an adult citizen is legit in Ohio. However, as per pornography laws in Ohio, watching, possessing, sharing, or selling pornography that involves minors or children is restricted and against the law in Ohio.
Does Ohio Prohibit Teen Sexting?
The simple answer is yes. Sending sexually explicit images to minors or of minors is termed child pornography, transmission of harmful material to children, and child endangerment.
The law will be applied based on the kind of conduct concerned in a certain case. According to pornography laws in Ohio, a minor is someone younger than 18 years of age. Both minors and adults can face the charges of illegal sexting if the law is violated.
However, consensual sexting between two parties where both of them are 18 years or above is not considered illegal (as the parties concerned are adults). Sexting is considered illegal and a punishable crime in cases where –
- Sexting happens between an adult and a minor.
- Sexting deals with or depicts a minor.
How Serious Offence Is to Violate Pornography Laws in Ohio?
When learning about pornography laws in Ohio, you might also wonder about the seriousness of the law and what can happen if you violate (even if accidentally) the pornography laws in Ohio. Violating Ohio’s pornography law led to mandatory registration as a sex offender and felony conviction. According to the Ohio pornography law, images of child porn are also illegal.
According to the constitution of Ohio, minor pornography is a strict offense and leads to severe punishment, even if the case has the slightest link with child pornography. It is also irrelevant whether the pornography viewer is aware or not aware of the child in the porn he/she watching.
If someone is caught up with such an accusation, they will be prosecuted by the government. The punishment for violating Ohio’s pornography can range from a monetary penalty to years inside the lock-up, depending on the seriousness of the crime.
Results of Conviction for Possessing Child Pornography in Ohio
Both Ohio and the federal government are very strict about their child pornography laws. A person accused of violating the pornography laws in Ohio can face the consequences even after they get released from prison.
Here are the consequences of conviction related to child pornography possession:
1. Criminal Punishment:
According to Ohio’s pornography law, if a person is accused of sharing, having, or receiving child pornography content, they are subject to legal offense. If a person is caught up with the allegation of knowingly having child pornography content such as explicit images, videos, and unprocessed films, they will be sentenced to 20 years of prison in Ohio.
2. Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offender Registration is mandatory according to the pornography laws in Ohio. As per the law, the accused must complete the registration as a sex offender as soon as they are released from prison. This will add the person’s details, such as mobile number and address, to the state sex offenders database.
The person is liable to update every change in data and expect a periodical check to monitor their behavior. However, if anyone does not comply with this rule, they will be charged with attempting another crime.
3. Social Consequences
Not to mention, possessing child pornography content has dire social consequences besides the legal punishment. Once a person is released from prison after serving the sentence as a sex offender and registering themselves in the federal sex offender database, they face various social consequences.
They may find friends, family members and acquaintances getting distanced or completely cut off as they learn about the changes. Also, they may find various limitations to living in a place that is legal. On top of all, it becomes harder for a person registered as a sex offender to get a liveable job, establish their career or get admitted under a reputed organization.
So, it is crucial to know and follow Ohio’s pornography laws and regulations. If you do not violate the law, you will not face the negative consequences. Also, if you are unknowingly involved in violating the Ohio pornography law, you can get professional help to speak for you.
Conclusion
Ohio pornography laws are very strict, and violating the law and regulations related to pornography can lead to severe punishment, up to 20 years behind bars in federal prison. Also, the pornography laws in Ohio mainly restrict child pornography to prevent child abuse and exploitation. Above, we have covered everything you must know about Ohio’s pornography law and the consequences of violating the law.
