If you’ve been accused—or are worried you might be—of child molestation or aggravated child molestation in Georgia, you are facing one of the most serious charges in the state’s criminal code.
These accusations carry long prison sentences, mandatory minimums, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and deep, lasting harm to your future, even if you’re never convicted.
Here’s the truth: once you’ve been accused of a sex crime involving a child, the system doesn’t treat you like someone who is “innocent until proven guilty.” It treats you like someone who has something to prove.
That’s where we come in.
Under Georgia Code § 16-6-4(a), child molestation is defined as:
“An immoral or indecent act to or in the presence of or with any child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person.”
This doesn’t require penetration, nudity, or even physical contact in all cases. It can include:
Even if you never laid a hand on the alleged victim, you can be charged under this statute if the accusation involves images, texts, or online interaction.
Aggravated child molestation is a more serious version of the charge.
Under § 16-6-4(c), this occurs when:
This distinction is crucial because aggravated child molestation carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison—or a life sentence. You read that right: 25 years is the starting point for sentencing, with no parole.
Georgia law is clear—and harsh—about the punishment:
If the alleged victim is at least 14 but under 16, and the defendant is 18 or younger and no more than four years older, the offense is treated as a misdemeanor and avoids the harsh sentencing structure. This is Georgia’s version of the “Romeo and Juliet” law.
Georgia law also criminalizes electronic communication involving immoral or indecent acts with a child.
Sending videos, photos, or engaging in explicit messaging with a child under 16—even without meeting in person—can lead to a full felony charge of child molestation. And if the material is sexual and sent across state lines? You may be facing federal charges on top of state charges.
Not even to “clear things up.” Detectives investigating sex crimes involving minors often already believe the accusation. They are trained to extract statements that make you look guilty—even if you’re not. Do not agree to an interview. Do not provide a written statement. Instead, say:
“I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney.”
Then call J. Ryan Brown Law.
Even if you know them. Even if they’re family. Even if you think they’ll recant. Attempting to contact the child or their family could lead to new charges—like witness intimidation or obstruction.
Let your defense lawyer handle all communication.
Not all lawyers are equipped to handle a child molestation case. You need someone with experience defending clients against serious sex crime charges in Georgia courts.
No. Consent is not a legal defense in child molestation or aggravated child molestation cases.
Under Georgia law, children under 16 cannot legally consent to sexual acts. Even if the relationship seemed mutual, respectful, or initiated by the child, it’s not a legal defense.
False allegations of child molestation happen more often than most people think.
They can stem from:
But once the allegation is made, the burden is on you and your defense team to tear apart the narrative and show the truth.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we investigate every detail: phone records, surveillance footage, text logs, social media, prior false accusations, and witness credibility. We’ve seen how thin evidence can still lead to charges—and how aggressive defense work can stop a conviction in its tracks.
Almost certainly, yes—if you’re convicted.
Georgia’s sex offender registration law applies to nearly every conviction of child molestation or aggravated child molestation. That means:
Avoiding conviction—or negotiating a non-registerable offense—is one of the key goals of a strategic defense.
Yes. But it takes experience, strategy, and a defense attorney who knows how to fight sex crime cases in Georgia courtrooms.
We’ve helped clients:
The earlier you involve us, the more power we have to change the outcome.
When you’re facing a charge under § 16-6-4, there’s no room for error.
Even the accusation alone can ruin your job, your family life, and your reputation. Don’t assume the truth will protect you. Don’t hope the police will sort it out. And don’t try to explain yourself.
Let us fight for you.
Contact J. Ryan Brown Law now for a confidential, judgment-free consultation.
We’ll give you the honest advice and relentless defense you deserve.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
