St. Marys Sex Crime Lawyer

St. Marys Sex Crime Attorney

One of the most frightening legal situations you can face is being charged with a sex crime in Georgia. St. Marys, known for its historic charm and proximity to the seashore, is no stranger to sex crimes. With a growing population, these crimes occur, and an individual can find their life completely changed when facing these kinds of allegations. If you find yourself charged with sex crimes, you need a St. Marys sex crime lawyer who can review your case and defend your rights.

For years, the team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. has been serving clients who face a wide range of criminal charges, including those for sex crimes. It comes as no surprise that these crimes are often viewed as particularly heinous by the public, and you may face a stigma of being guilty until you are ultimately proven innocent. Thus, it is crucial to hire an experienced defense attorney who understands the local legal landscape and how to correctly go about protecting your freedoms.

Defining Sex Crimes in St. Marys, Georgia

In Georgia, there is a wide range of sex crimes that can be charged under state law. With a population of 21,000 citizens, violent crimes, such as rape, do not often occur, but when they do, having an attorney on your side is vital. The most common of these crimes include the following:

• Rape. In 2023, there were 11 reported rapes in St. Marys. Rape occurs when a man uses his sexual organs to penetrate the sexual organs of a female. This is known as “carnal knowledge” and, in Georgia, only occurs when a male penetrates a female, meaning that males cannot be considered victims of rape as defined in the state. Rape charges, when convicted, can come with severe penalties.
• Sexual battery. This crime can occur when an individual makes intentional physical contact with the intimate parts of another individual without their consent. These intimate parts can include the genital area, inner thighs, buttocks, groin, or anus of a male or female, along with the breasts of a female. This charge can result in large fines and long prison sentences.
• Statutory rape. This crime can occur when an individual is allegedly guilty of having sexual intercourse with an individual who is under the age of 16 years old and is not the spouse of the accused person. A successful conviction of this crime can carry extremely long prison sentences and even mandatory sex offender registration under certain circumstances.
• Child molestation. This crime occurs when an individual performs a sexual act with a minor child to arouse or satisfy sexual desires. An individual may also be charged with this crime if they are found to be transmitting images of an individual engaging or participating in child molestation.
• Public indecency. This crime can occur when an individual performs certain sexual acts in public. This can include sexual intercourse, the intentional exposure of their sexual organs, or being in a state of partial or complete nudity. It can also include the caressing or fondling of another individual in public.
• Solicitation. This crime happens when an individual allegedly seeks to hire another individual to commit illegal acts, such as seeking sexual services for payment or the exchange of goods and services. An individual who is charged with solicitation is required to provide their fingerprint upon their arrest. A successful solicitation conviction can come with severe penalties, including fines and prison time.
• Prostitution. The crime of prostitution occurs when a person allegedly performs or consents to perform an act of a sexual nature, such as intercourse or sodomy, in exchange for money or other items of value or services. This crime is considered a misdemeanor and can be punished as such. However, the penalty can be elevated should the offense take place near a school, playground, or place of worship.
• Incest. This crime can happen when an individual has sexual intercourse or engages in sodomy with an individual who they know they are related to, either by blood or marriage. This can be a common occurrence between parents and children, stepparents and children, or between siblings.

FAQs

Q: How Can a Sex Crimes Lawyer Help Me?

A: If you ever find yourself accused of a sex crime, it is important that you retain legal counsel and representation as quickly as possible. An attorney can review the case and charges brought against you, help uncover evidence to support your defense, and ultimately argue your defense in a courtroom before a judge and jury.

Q: What Crimes Place You on the Sex Offender Registry?

A: In Georgia, there are several crimes for which you can be convicted and placed on the sex offender registry. These crimes include rape or statutory rape, sexual assault, internet sex crimes, such as the circulation of child pornography, child pornography itself, solicitation of a minor individual, public indecency, child molestation or sexual assault, and prostitution.

Q: How Do You Defend Against Sex Crimes?

A: Depending on the exact nature of the sex crime charge brought against you and the circumstances involved in the alleged crime, there are several defenses that your lawyer may be able to use to argue against your supposed guilt. These defenses can include having an alibi, being given consent by the alleged victim, or suffering a mistaken identity.

Q: How Is Child Pornography Defined in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, child pornography is the knowing possession or control of any materials that depict a minor individual or a portion of their body while engaged in a sexual act. This crime is punishable by lengthy prison sentences. Most often, child pornography is found on the alleged individual’s computer or other digital devices.

Protect Your Rights and Future by Contacting Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. Today

If you are facing sex crime charges in St. Marys, it’s time to reach out to Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. today. With our knowledge of local laws and the judges and prosecutors often assigned to these cases, we can enter into negotiations to try and reduce the charges brought against you and the potential sentences involved. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation with our team and learn more about our services.