If you have been charged with a sexual offense, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Adairsville. A conviction for sex crimes like rape or sexual assault can result in a heavy prison sentence, destroy your social reputation, and even require you to register as a sex offender for life.
Speights Law has over 20 years of experience protecting individuals in Georgia who have been accused of crimes. A sex crime accusation is a serious matter and warrants an equally serious legal defense. We can protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial while exploring options to reach the best possible outcome.
Contact our offices today to schedule a case consultation with an Adairsville sex crimes defense lawyer.
How an Attorney Can Help When You’ve Been Charged With a Sex Crime
Sex crime cases, by their very nature, are fraught with high emotions and tension. Because sex crimes are rightfully judged as so heinous, it’s challenging to navigate accusations while maintaining a clear head and impartiality. Both the accuser and the accused may face an invasive investigation into their private lives and have their sexual history scrutinized.
A sex crimes defense lawyer in Adairsville can mount a robust defense and help you face your accusers in a court of law. Our team at Speights Law consists of trial-tested legal practitioners who are comfortable trying a wide range of sex crime cases. We can navigate your case in a way that respects both parties’ privacy and dignity.
More specifically, we can:
- Support you during legal questioning
- Gather evidence and testimony
- Represent you at the arraignment hearing
- Assist with posting bail
- Build a defensive argument
- Explore options to reduce or dismiss the charges
- Defend you during a criminal trial
You are entitled to a defense lawyer, no matter the nature of the alleged crime. We can offer legal representation to protect your rights, privileges, and freedoms to the greatest extent possible.
Examples of Sex Crimes Cases in Georgia We Manage
The term “sex crimes” encompasses a wide range of misdemeanor and felony criminal activity. Our Adairsville sex crimes defense lawyers have experience managing most common types of sex crime cases:
- Sexual assault/battery. Sexual assault and battery involve the non-consensual sexual touching of another using force or one’s position of authority (e.g., boss).
- Rape. Georgia law defines rape as non-consensual intercourse either by force or when the victim is not capable of consenting.
- Sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is a crime defined as transporting individuals, particularly minors, for the purpose of performing commercial sex acts.
- Child sex crimes. Child sex crimes include any sexual crime involving a minor, such as child molestation or enticement of a child.
- Computer sex crimes. Examples of computer sex crimes include child pornography or digitally furnishing minors with obscene materials.
- Public indecency. Public indecency is the crime of performing lewd acts or acts of a sexual nature in public.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Adairsville
Sex crimes are punished extremely harshly in Georgia, especially when they involve a minor. For example, according to O.C.G.A. 16-6-1, rape is punishable by life in prison.
Most sex crimes are felony offenses and so carry a prison term of more than one year. The exact penalty depends on the specifics of the case, such as:
- The severity of the crime
- The age of the victim
- Aggravating factors (e.g., using a weapon)
- Prior convictions (particularly sex crime convictions)
- Guilt or remorse
In addition to prison, those convicted of sex crimes can be civilly liable for paying restitution to the victims and lose custody of their children. More generally, a felony conviction can impact future housing and employment opportunities.
Registering as a Sex Offender
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will likely also have to register as a sex offender. Sex offenders must submit personal information like their name, address, and sex crime conviction to a public database and may face residential restrictions.
Depending on the specific crime, registration can be for life.
Common Defense Strategies Against Sex Crime Charges
Finding a defense attorney is the most important thing to do if you are accused of a sex crime. There are several strategies your lawyer could use to defend you against sex crime charges:
- Act was consensual. A common strategy is to argue that the accused had adequate reasons to believe that the sexual encounter was consensual.
- False accusation. An attorney can also argue that the allegations are false, either intentionally or due to mistaken identity.
- Not a crime. One can argue that the act/illicit materials don’t meet the criteria for a crime (e.g., there was no sexual contact).
- Plea agreement. A defense attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser sex crime charge in exchange for a guilty plea.
Every case is unique and requires a tailored strategy fit to the circumstances. We have a deep understanding of criminal law and procedure, and can be counted on to create a defense that meets the prosecution’s argument.
Speights Law: Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers in Adairsville
A conviction for a sexual offense can rob you of freedoms, disrupt your professional life, and damage your social reputation beyond repair. If you are facing sex crime charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for the best possible resolution.
Speights Law can be your advocate and provide the legal support necessary to safeguard your rights and freedoms. Fill out our contact form or reach out by phone to receive a case consultation with a sex crimes defense lawyer in Adairsville.