Sex crimes include criminal acts that are sexual in nature performed on the victim against their will. In some cases, the victim’s age eliminates their ability to give consent, and thus, sexual acts committed against those under the age of consent also constitute sex crimes.
While sex crimes cases should be taken seriously because of the sensitivity of the issues involved, the seriousness of an allegation, even before there is a finding of guilt or innocence, can have a devastating impact.
Being charged with a sex crime can impact a person’s career, relationships, and reputation in the community because of the negative stigma connected with the acts. As such, if you are being investigated or have been charged with a sex crime in Cherokee County, Georgia, contact a knowledgeable sex crimes lawyer to protect yourself and your family. A Cherokee County sex crimes lawyer can mount a solid defense for you.
Sexual AssaultIt is a felony offense for a person to engage in sexual contact with a person with whom they have disciplinary control or supervision over. This law is intended to prevent sexual relationships between correctional officers and criminal offenders, students and teachers, and people that are detained in healthcare facilities and the person that dictates her or his release, among others.
Under the circumstances, a person’s consent to the sexual contact, regardless of their age, is not accepted as valid. The penalties include fines up to $100,000, and imprisonment for 25 years. If the victim is under the age of 16, the incarceration period is 25 to 50 years and the person convicted is required to register as a sex offender.
Statutory RapeA person is guilty of statutory rape when they engage in sex with a person that is under the age of 16. In Georgia, a person that is under age 16 does not have the legal capacity to consent to sex with someone over the age of 16, so any form of intercourse could result in the person being charged with a felony offense.
The penalty for statutory rape is one to 20 years’ incarceration if the accused is under the age of 21. If the accused is over age 21, the penalty is 10 to 20 years’ incarceration. An unfortunate consequence of the statutory rape statute is that a minor could be charged with a felony for engaging in consensual sex with another minor.
The Romeo and Juliet provision of the law reduces the criminal penalties in many cases when both parties are minors. If the alleged offender is 18 or no more than four years older than the alleged victim, who must be at least 14, it is a misdemeanor offense. The penalty distinctions between misdemeanors and felony offenses are significant.
Sexual BatteryIntentionally making contact with another person’s genitals or other intimate areas without consent constitutes sexual battery in Georgia. After the first offense, sexual battery is a felony offense that is punishable with up to five years imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. A Cherokee County Sex Crimes Lawyer can work to mitigate the penalties that an individual faces.
Talk to a Cherokee County Sex Crimes Attorney TodayThe damages associated with a sex crimes conviction are significant and often irreparable, even after the criminal penalties end. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Cherokee County, contact an experienced Cherokee County sex crimes lawyer that can assess the prosecution’s case against you and find the best defense for your case.