Sex Crimes

Sexual Offenses in Georgia

Our Columbus Georgia sex crime lawyers handle the following Georgia sexual offenses:

 The Penalties Of Sexual Offenses Under Georgia State Law

The state of Georgia takes a tough stance against sexual offenses of every kind. A person found guilty of committing a sex crime in Georgia faces tough prison sentences. Depending upon the crime, a person can be sentenced from a few months in jail to having to live the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. In nearly all cases, an offender must register as a sex offender for the rest of their life after they are released from incarceration. Here are the sex crimes and the penalties they carry under Georgia law.

Rape

Rape is a crime where an offender uses force, violence, or fear to sexually assail a victim against his or her will. An offender convicted of rape faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, 20 years in prison, or life in prison with or without the possibility of parole. The extenuating circumstances surrounding the case will go a long way to helping the court determine the sentence.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is basically assault with an added component of sexual violation. Georgia law cites the purpose of “sexual arousal” when determining the nature of the assault. Sexual assault offenders face a misdemeanor penalty that can carry with it jail time, fines, community service and court ordered counseling.

Solicitation

Soliciting sex is a crime where an offender attempts to contract with a prostitute for sexual services. This is also considered a misdemeanor under Georgia law, and carries similar penalties to sexual assault. In most practical cases, though, first time offenders pay a fine, attend counseling and may or may not have to register as a sex offender.

Lewd And Lascivious Conduct

Lewd and lascivious acts occur when an offender touches, gropes or grabs another person in a sexual way, again, for the purposes of “sexual arousal.” Often, this charge is added to other sexual crime charges, such as sexual assault or rape. Lewd acts can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the extenuating circumstances, and the age and nature of the victim.

Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure is when an offender exposes any part of their own genitalia, has sexual intercourse, is nude or partially nude, and/or fondles any other person while in a public space. Again, depending upon the nature of the circumstances of the crime, an offender faces anywhere from a misdemeanor charge to a felony with significant prison time. Also, in most cases of indecent exposure, counseling and registry as a sex offender will be required.

Child Molestation

Child molestation, as it is in any state, is an egregious and heinous criminal act in the state of Georgia. An offender convicted of child molestation in the state of Georgia will have to register as a sex offender, will not be able live within 100 feet of a school or a public park where children are known to play, serve lengthy prison terms and face huge fines. Georgia has cracked down on child molesters in recent years, and anyone found to be an accomplice in an act of child molestation will face increasingly harsh penalties themselves.

If you are suspected of or charged with a Georgia sex crime in the Columbus area, then contact a seasoned Columbus GA sexual offense defense lawyer immediately.