Sex crime accusations can put your liberty and social reputation entirely on the line. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you need an experienced Jasper criminal defense lawyer to explore your options. Georgia punishes sex crimes harshly, but a lawyer can preserve your freedoms and privileges to the maximum extent.
At Speights Law, we have been protecting the rights of Georgians for nearly 25 years. We are known for our thorough approach to criminal defense and will explore every avenue to protect your rights. Contact us today to receive a case consultation with a Jasper sex crimes defense lawyer.
You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
Criminal proceedings for sex crimes can be some of the most contentious due to the nature of the alleged crime. Both the accuser and the accused can face immense privacy violations and invasive investigations into their personal lives and sexual histories.
Tensions in these cases understandably run high, which is why you need an experienced Jasper sex crimes defense lawyer on your side. An attorney can maintain an objective and impartial perspective to ensure you receive a fair trial and that proceedings respect the dignity of all involved.
Our team’s inclusion of seasoned trial attorneys and former prosecutors gives us a unique perspective on criminal law. We know how to approach criminal trials and standards of evidence to counter the prosecution’s charges and push for acquittal, dismissal, or a charge reduction.
Sex Crime Definitions in Georgia
The term sex crimes encompasses a wide range of touching and digitally-based offenses. Below are some of the most common charges we deal with in our legal practice:
- Rape. Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse where the victim is unable to consent, whether due to coercive force, age, or mental capacity.
- Sexual assault/battery. Sexual assault and battery consist of non-consensual sexual touching either through the use of force or one’s position of authority over the victim.
- Human trafficking. Human trafficking is a federal crime that involves transporting individuals for the purpose of performing commercial sex acts.
- Child molestation. Child molestation is the crime of an adult committing sexual acts with a minor under the age of 16 years old.
- Child pornography. Child porn crimes can involve charges for owning, viewing, creating, or distributing sexual images containing or depicting minors.
- Public indecency. Public indecency refers to committing indecent or lewd acts in public rather than the privacy of a home.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Jasper?
The penalties for sex crimes in Jasper can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the crime. Most sex crimes are charged as felonies and so carry a minimum one-year prison sentence, absent mitigating circumstances.
More serious felony sex crimes, such as sexual battery or rape, can carry up to 20 years in prison or more. Aggravating factors that can increase a sex crime sentence include:
- Use of a deadly weapon.
- The victim’s age or identity.
- Degree of planning and forethought.
- Whether injuries were caused.
- Prior criminal convictions.
- Obstructing criminal proceedings.
In addition to criminal penalties, the defendant may be ordered to pay civil restitution to the victim, lose firearm privileges, and have difficulties finding housing or employment. That is not even mentioning the damage to social reputation that a sex crime conviction can cause.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender If I Am Convicted of a Sex Crime?
According to O.C.G.A. 42-1-12, any person convicted of a dangerous sexual offense must register with the state as a sex offender. Periods of registration can range between ten years and for life, depending on the specific conviction.
Sex offenders are required to put their name, address, employment info, and other personal information on a public database that anyone can search. Sex offenders may also be unable to hold certain types of employment (specifically those with children) or have restricted internet privileges.
Potential Defenses to Sex Crime Charges
Below are some potential strategies a criminal defense lawyer could use to reduce or dismiss your charges:
- Act was consensual. An attorney can argue that the act was consensual or that you had sufficient reason to believe it was consensual.
- False identity. The accuser may have falsely identified you as the perpetrator, either intentionally or through mistaken identity.
- Not a crime. For certain charges, you could argue that your conduct doesn’t fit the definition of the criminal charge (e.g., touching did not occur).
- Process violations. If the police mishandled evidence or the prosecution violated your Constitutional rights, an attorney could argue for a case dismissal.
- Plea agreement. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge in exchange for a guilty plea (e.g., aggravated sexual assault lowered to sexual assault).
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Jasper
Regardless of the nature of the alleged crime, you are entitled to effective legal representation. The first thing to do if you are accused of a sex crime is to enlist the help of an accomplished criminal defense lawyer.
The team at Speights Law has over 120 years of combined legal experience and can use our knowledge to protect your rights, defend you against the charges, and confront prosecutorial overreach.
Your freedoms and liberties may be at jeopardy, so you need an attorney who will use every available strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact our offices online or reach out by phone today to speak to a sex crimes defense lawyer in Jasper.