Disseminating Obscene and Harmful Materials to a Minor or Impaired Person Defense Lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio

Disseminating obscene or harmful materials to a minor or impaired individual is a serious criminal offense under Ohio law. These charges often arise from online activity, text messages, social media posts, or the sharing of explicit images or videos. Even if the individual was not actually a minor—but was believed to be—charges can still be filed. A conviction can lead to jail or prison time, sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your personal and professional life. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we provide aggressive and confidential legal defense for individuals accused of this offense in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio.

Understanding the Charges Under Ohio Law

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.31, it is a crime to:

What Qualifies as Disseminating Obscene and Harmful Materials to a Minor or Impaired Personin Ohio

Provide, offer, or display obscene or harmful materials to someone under age 18 or an impaired personSend or offer sexually explicit content via electronic communication (text, email, internet) to a minor or someone believed to be a minorShare materials that appeal to prurient interests, are patently offensive, and lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific valueYou can still be charged even if the recipient is not a real minor—such as in a sting operation involving law enforcement posing as a minor.

Penalties for Disseminating Obscene or Harmful Materials to a Minor in Ohio

Penalties vary based on the age of the alleged recipient and the nature of the content:First-Degree Misdemeanor (M1) – Initial offense involving someone believed to be a minorUp to 180 days in jailFines up to $1,000Fifth-Degree Felony (F5) – Repeat offenses or if the minor is under 136 to 12 months in prisonFines up to $2,500Fourth-Degree Felony (F4) – Digital dissemination or highly graphic material6 to 18 months in prisonFines up to $5,000In some cases, a conviction may result in:Mandatory Tier I sex offender registrationProbation, restrictions on communication and internet useCourt-ordered counseling or behavioral monitoringCollateral Consequences of a ConvictionIn addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can have long-term impacts:A permanent criminal record, limiting employment, housing, and educational accessSex offender registration, which may be publicLoss of teaching credentials or other professional licensesRestrictions on internet use, access to minors, or employment in child-related fieldsImmigration consequences, including deportation or denial of naturalization