Sex crime laws can be confusing, and things are more challenging because some of the laws tend to overlap. The crimes are categorized into felonies, aggravated misdemeanors, and misdemeanors. It can be difficult to distinguish one offense from the other when you do not know which rule applies to which crime. And that is why it is best to work closely with an experienced and reputable criminal defense attorney in Decatur, Georgia if you want the best outcome in your case.
When you hire our Decatur sex crime lawyer, we at SHElaw firm® guarantee that you will have a dedicated law professional fight for you. The attorney will ensure that you have the best legal counsel and representation when you face charges of coerced or illegal sexual conduct.
Call us at 470-788-8930 to get in touch with an experienced Decatur sex crimes attorney who will fight aggressively for your rights. We offer a free initial consultation and case review.
What Are Examples of Sex Crimes, and How Are They Defined in Decatur?
Knowing the different sex crimes as enshrined in the Georgia State laws can prove worthwhile. The OCGA (Official Code of Georgia Annotated) clarifies more on these laws to ensure the public can distinguish the various sex crimes and their associated penalties and punishments.
Rape
Rape charges arise when an individual is accused of having carnal knowledge with another person against their will. Marriage is never a defense strategy when facing a rape charge because some people consider using it, citing that they were exercising their conjugal rights.
A rape conviction carries a sentence of at least 25 years in prison and probation for life or possibly life in prison.
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape is a crime where persons over 16 years have carnal knowledge of a minor (a person below 16 years of age). It is applicable whether the child agreed to have sexual intercourse or not, which exemption where the two individuals mentioned in the matter are married. Depending on the offender’s and victim’s ages, the crime can be considered a misdemeanor or aggravated misdemeanor.
Improper Sexual Contact (formerly Sexual Assault)
The crime of sexual assault occurs when those with disciplinary or supervisory authority over others forcibly engage in acts seeking sexual gratification. It might include intercourse but mostly entails having sexual contact with the other person’s body parts without consent.
(Aggravated) Sexual Battery
The crime of aggravated sexual battery should not be mistaken for sexual assault. It occurs when an individual penetrates another’s intimate parts without consent using a foreign object. The offender faces a possible sentence of life imprisonment. The court might also consider a split sentence with at least 25 years in prison followed by probation for life.
(Aggravated) Sodomy
Sodomy is sexual interactions where the offender engages in sexual acts with another and their anus or mouth. It is bumped to aggravated sodomy when it involves a child below ten years. Georgia state laws consider aggravated sodomy a very serious crime. Hence, the offender is looking at imprisonment for life or at least 25 years in prison followed by parole for life.
(Aggravated) Child Molestation
The crime of aggravated child molestation occurs when the offender is accused of engaging in indecent acts to arouse or satisfy sexual desires with or in the presence of a child below 16.
Prostitution
A person is charged with prostitution when accused of performing, offering, or consenting to perform a sexual act in exchange for money or other valuable items. And Georgia sex crimes laws stipulate that the offender does not have to accept money, have sexual interactions, or consummate the transaction to be found guilty; they need only offer to perform the act for money.
What Are Some of the Penalties for Committing a Sex Crime?
Sex crimes are never trivialized and thus often attract heavy penalties. Most offenders will be sentenced to serve time in prison with the incarceration of not less than one year to potentially life in prison, depending on the type of crime and its sentencing guidelines or statutes. When found guilty, the accused must register as a sex offender.
At SHElaw firm®, you will find a Decatur sex crimes lawyer committed to defending your constitutional rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.
What Are Some of the Defenses When Charged With a Sex Crime?
Arguing that the child is exaggerating, lying, or was improperly influenced is a common defense strategy when fighting child molestation charges. When charged with rape, the accused can argue that the sexual encounter was consensual, meaning both parties agreed to the act.
Under the law, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This means that the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury. Your sex crimes attorney will build a solid defense strategy to help absolve you of the charges.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested for a Sex Crime?
We recommend taking the following measures when you are arrested for a sex crime in Decatur, Georgia:
- Exercise your right to remain silent until your lawyer is present. You do not have to take any action that can be used against you, including answering questions.
- Make sure that any exculpatory evidence is safe, meaning any records related to the time when the alleged offense happened.
- Unless the court orders a search or testing, it is best not to give any records that might be used to incriminate you to the police. It means you must not grant them access to your computer, smartphone, written records, or even a submit to a cheek swab before consulting with your attorney.
- Avoid contacting or interacting with victims, their families, or potential witnesses.
Why Should I Hire a Decatur Sex Crime Lawyer from SHElaw firm®?
SHElaw firm® has handled many criminal cases and helps clients regain their hopes and dreams after getting their charges dismissed. We also have helped others get lighter punishments and penalties for offenses they committed. Hence, we are confident that we are the right legal team to have on your side as you face sex crime charges, possible imprisonment, and being labeled a sex offender.
Let SHElaw firm® Represent You as You Fight Sex Crimes Charges
At SHElaw firm®, we guarantee you will have a dedicated law professional fight for you when you hire our Decatur sex crimes lawyer. Attorney Shequel P. Ross Esquire will ensure that you have the best legal counsel and representation when you face charges of coerced or illegal sexual conduct.
Call us at 470-788-8930 to find an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer in Decatur who will fight aggressively for your rights and help you be absolved of the crimes you face.
