Last month in Cincinnati, a man convicted of failing to inform his sexual partners that he was HIV positive received his sentence. He was convicted of 14 separate counts of felonious assault under an Ohio law that requires anyone who has tested positive for HIV or AIDS to reveal that information prior to having sex with another person. Although he could have faced 112 years in prison, the judge pronounced a sentence of 32 years.

According to the convicted man, he had dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. He also said that he kept his HIV positive status a secret because of the social stigma associated with the disease. He said that he is a caring person.

Prosecutors alleged that the man traveled the country as a professional wrestler and manipulated people. They estimate that he may have had sexual contact with hundreds of women. The charges in the case stated that he failed to notify 11 women that he was HIV positive before having sex with them. None has tested positive for the disease, but a few are within the window when they still could develop it.

Not all residents of Ohio may be aware of the particular law under which this man was convicted. But the old adage--ignorance of the law is no excuse--holds true. Anyone charged with a sex crime, no matter the type, faces serious consequences and life-changing penalties. It is essential to understand the charges, procedures and rights relevant to the case. A veteran criminal defense lawyer can provide these things to an accused person and fight for the best outcome for the client.

Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer, "'Gangsta of Love' gets 32 years in prison," Kimball Perry, Jan. 24, 2012.