Ohio residents know tough penalties are involved for those convicted of sex crimes. Even so, a strong criminal defense is needed for those accused of such crimes, as these crimes carry a stigma that could negatively impact a person for the rest of their life. An Ohio man may face such a stigma after recently pleading guilty to filming two minors while showering in his home.

The 45-year-old man pled guilty earlier this month to three counts of illegal use of minor in nudity oriented material or performance. No terms have been set, but the man faces a maximum penalty of 24 years in prison and $45,000 in fines. The man's pre-sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 19.

According to the news source, the incidents occurred between July 2009 and July 2011. He reportedly set a camera up in his bathroom and filmed two girls while they showered. Prosecutors say that the video camera was recording while he set it up, and thus filmed him placing the camera in a basket at an angle where the girls were unable to see it.

The man was caught when one of the victims' reportedly found the camera in his driveway. The victim plugged the camera into her computer and discovered the bathroom footage. They then turned it over to authorities.

Cases such as this speak to the need for a strong criminal defense team when one is accused of a crime involving minors. Even when strong evidence is presented, a criminal defense team may be able to negotiate a plea agreement, as was the case for the man in this situation.

Source: Springfield News-Sun, "Man guilty of filming girls' showers," Jessica Heffner, Dec. 15, 2011