The state pursues and punishes sex crime offenders harshly. A guilty verdict could lead to time in prison, steep fines, and convictions on a criminal record. Some even require the defendant to register as a sex offender. Georgia’s registry is one of the most restrictive in the country and could significantly harm all aspects of an individual’s life.
Facing these charges may be terrifying, but they are even more daunting if you are facing them without someone to guide you through the legal system and fight on your behalf. Consulting a defense attorney may be in your best interests if you have been accused or charged with one of these crimes. An experienced and diligent Palmetto sex crimes lawyer could protect your rights, defend you, and negotiate as needed to fight for a favorable outcome.
If an individual is found guilty of a sex crime in criminal court, the convictions can bring severe consequences. Some of the different categories of sex crimes include:
While the penalties for each conviction are unique to the charge, one thing is consistent. A person does not want to have any of them on their criminal record. Not only will a conviction lead to legal penalties, but there is also a stigma attached to sex crimes.
Those with convictions on their records often find themselves without family or friends to turn to for aid. Some do not get any support during one of the scariest times of their lives. Luckily, an understanding lawyer in Palmetto can assist these individuals and prepare their defense against the sex crime charge.
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-22.1 dictates that a person is considered guilty of sexual battery when they intentionally touch or make physical contact with intimate parts of another individual’s body without consent. The code defines intimate parts as the groin, anus, genital area, inner thighs, buttocks, or breasts.
If a person is found guilty in a criminal court of committing sexual battery, they risk receiving an aggravated misdemeanor on their criminal record. Additionally, if a criminal court finds an individual guilty of committing sexual battery against a minor under 16, the individual will be charged with a felony and face one to five years of imprisonment. In the case of a second misdemeanor or sexual battery against a minor, the person will also have to register as a sex offender.
A seasoned lawyer in Palmetto could answer questions on the sex crime statutes and codes. Knowledgeable counsel could also go over all the available options you have to determine your best path forward.
Sex crime convictions are severe and can result in punishments that last through your entire lifetime. State law takes the offenses seriously, and few other convictions carry the social stigma these crimes have.
To avoid the worst consequences and penalties for these severe charges, you need legal representation you can trust standing by you. A reputable Palmetto sex crimes lawyer could examine the details of your arrest and the case the state has against you. Call our firm today for help with your case.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
