Springfield Sex Crime Lawyer

Springfield Sex Crime Attorney

Some of the most serious and harshly prosecuted crimes in Georgia are those of a sexual nature. If convicted, an individual accused of these crimes can face the harsh reality of extended prison sentences, severe mandatory fines, which can devastate financial security, and having the negative social stigma attached to them, not to mention having to register as a sex offender. If you find yourself in this situation, a Springfield sex crime lawyer can prove to be essential.

At the law offices of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we can work to help you develop a strong defense strategy that can stand up against the case brought against you by the prosecution. The state of Georgia takes these cases extremely seriously, and you deserve a legal team that believes in your innocence and takes your defense with just as much gravitas. In a sex crimes case, your very future is on the line, and you deserve an attorney who is ready to protect your freedoms.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Springfield, Georgia, and Their Penalties

Set deep in the heart of Georgia’s Effingham County, Springfield boasts a population of 3,284 residents. Even for its smaller population, Springfield has seen its fair share of crime. Currently, the crime rate sits at 7.31 per every 1,000 residents. While many of these crimes tend to be those of a non-violent nature, such as property crimes like theft or vandalism, Springfield is no stranger to allegations of crimes of a sexual nature.

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we have defended clients against all manner of sexual crimes and their severe penalties, including the following:

• Child molestation. This crime occurs when an individual performs a sexual or immoral act to or in front of a child under the age of 16 in order to be aroused or to satisfy their sexual desires. For a first-time offense of child molestation, the convicted individual may face anywhere from five to 20 years in prison. However, in cases of subsequent convictions, the individual may face anywhere from 10 to 30 years of prison time.
• Rape. In Georgia, rape occurs when a male has carnal knowledge or the penetration of a female sex organ by a male sex organ against her will or using force. Under this definition, an individual assigned male at birth cannot be considered a victim of rape. If convicted of this crime, an individual can face a minimum of 25 years in prison.
• Statutory rape. A charge of this nature may arise when an individual is accused of having sexual intercourse with another person who is under the age of 16 years and is not the spouse of the accused person. If convicted, an individual may face anywhere from one to 20 years in prison unless they are older than 21 years of age, in which case a prison sentence could last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
• Incest. In Georgia, an individual can be charged with incest if they have allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse or sodomy with an individual who they know to be their relative. This can include relations between parent and child, siblings, grandchild and grandparent, or stepparent and stepchild.
  A successful conviction for incest carries a prison sentence of anywhere between 10 to 30 years unless the case involves a child under the age of 14, in which case the prison sentence can rise to 25 to 50 years.
• Public indecency. An individual can face charges of this nature if they are accused of performing certain acts while in a public place. These acts can include taking part in sexual intercourse, knowingly exposing your sexual organs, or being completely or partially nudity.
  For the first two convictions of this crime, an individual will face misdemeanor charges. However, for further convictions, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison.

Defenses for Sex Crime Charges

For some individuals facing a sex crime charge, they may feel hopeless and wonder if there is anything that can be done. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we assure you there is. We can comb through every detail of your case and the charges brought against you to uncover any potential strategies that can be used in your defense. The most common defense strategies for sex crime charges include:

• Having an alibi
• Being innocent
• Being given consent by the alleged victim
• Suffering a mistaken identity
• A lack of sufficient evidence to successfully prosecute

FAQs

Q: Is Prostitution Considered a Crime in Georgia?

A: Yes, in Georgia, the act of prostitution is considered a crime. This charge can arise when an individual has allegedly performed, consented, or offered to perform a sexual act in exchange for goods, services, or funds. In certain cases, an individual might face charges of this nature for simply offering or consenting to these sexual acts, even if the act itself does not ever take place.

Q: What Are the Personal Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction?

A: For individuals charged with a sex crime in Georgia, there are many consequences that can go beyond fines, parole, and prison time. For many convicted individuals, mandatory registration on the sex offender list can be required. This can limit your ability to find housing and employment. In fact, on a national scale, the current rate of unemployment amongst individuals with a criminal record stands at 30%.

Q: What Mistakes Should I Avoid Making in a Sex Crime Case?

A: There are several mistakes that one should avoid making in a sex crime case, as making these mistakes could prove detrimental to your case. These mistakes could include speaking with law enforcement without the presence of a Springfield defense attorney, posting about your case on social media, attempting to contact the alleged victim in your case, not hiring an attorney, and attempting to leave the state or the country during the investigation.

Q: How Long Can a Sex Crime Case Take?

A: While it can prove to be a challenge to offer an exact number as to how long it may take a sex crimes case to process through the court system and reach a final judgment, there are several factors that can influence the overall time frame. These factors can include the complexity of the case, the availability of the evidence, and the severity of the crime itself.

Don’t Let a Criminal Charge Be the End of the Road for You: Contact Us Today!

If you are a resident of Springfield and have been wrongfully accused of a sex crime, it’s time to turn to the attorneys at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. Let us fight for your innocence today. Contact our offices and schedule your consultation with our team.