Carrollton Sex Crimes Lawyer
There are many different sex crimes under Georgia law, and all of them may carry harsh penalties. In addition to the possible criminal penalties, accusations of a sex offense can threaten your reputation, your future employment opportunities, and your family. If convicted, you risk being forced to register as a sex offender for many years or even for life. As a result, consulting a Carrollton sex crimes lawyer may be crucial to protecting your future.
A skilled defense lawyer could explain your legal rights, responsibilities, and options in further detail. Call and schedule an appointment immediately.
Prostitution and Solicitation
Prostitution occurs when individuals offer, agree to, or perform sexual acts in exchange for money or something of value. Solicitation occurs when individuals seek payment for the performance of sexual acts.
Both of these criminal offenses are misdemeanors under Georgia law, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a maximum of $1,000 fine. Likewise, soliciting a minor may increase the sentence of incarceration to five years and the fine to $2,500.
Enticement
Enticement occurs when individuals solicit, entice, or take any child under the age of 16 somewhere for the purposes of child molestation or other indecent acts.
Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-5 classifies enticement as a felony, which carries a potential penalty of 10 to 30 years in prison. If the victim is between the ages of 14 and 16 and the alleged perpetrator is 18 years of age or younger, with no more than four years separating their ages, the criminal offense may be reduced to a misdemeanor.
Rape and Statutory Rape
Rape, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1, is a serious offense which involves forcible penetration against the victim’s will. The fact that the parties are married may not be a defense to rape. A rape conviction may result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life or even the death penalty.
Statutory rape involves individuals who have sexual intercourse with any individual who is under the age of 16 and who is not their spouse, even if the sex is consensual. A statutory rape conviction can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to 20 years. Individuals who are over the age of 21 and commit statutory rape can face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years.
As previously mentioned, if the victim is between the ages of 14 and 16 and the alleged perpetrator is 18 or younger, and there are no more than four years between the ages of the parties, the offense becomes a misdemeanor. Since the consequences of a rape conviction can be life-altering, individuals accused of rape are likely to benefit from the advice and counsel of an experienced Carrollton sex crimes lawyer.
Sexual Assault and Other Offenses
Sexual assault is very broadly defined under Georgia law and encompasses a variety of different situations, including sexual conduct between the following:
- School administrators or teachers and students
- Probation officers and probationers or parolees
- Law enforcement officers and individuals detained or in the custody of a law enforcement agency
- Hospital employees and patients
- Correctional facility employees and inmates
- Psychotherapists and their patients
- Employees of licensed facilities and individuals who have been admitted and are receiving services from those facilities
As per O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5.1, sexual assault is a felony punishable by one to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Sexual assault involving a child can result in a minimum 25-year prison sentence and a maximum 50-year prison sentence. Someone facing such charges should reach out to an aggressive sex crimes attorney in Carrollton as soon as possible.
Sexual offenses in Carrollton are not limited to prostitution, solicitation, enticement, rape, and sexual assault. Other sex-based offenses include child molestation, sodomy, public indecency, sexual battery, and harboring a sex offender. Many of these crimes may result in lengthy terms of incarceration and high fines as well as mandatory sex offender registration.
Speaking with a Carrollton Sex Crimes Attorney
If you were accused of a sex offense, the potential penalties can be devastating to both your personal and professional life. After you are charged with this offense, you should strongly consider consulting with a Carrollton sex crimes lawyer prior to admitting guilt or cooperating with law enforcement officials. Anything you say can be held against you, so speaking with an attorney can help you protect your rights and come up with a strategy to defend against the prosecution.
