A person who has been charged with a sex crime in Georgia may be facing prison time, restrictions on where you can live, and the requirement of registering on the sex offender registry. Failing to register is a felony offense, punishable by imprisonment. The information on the sex offender registry is available to the public, meaning that your friends, family, and neighbors will be privy to your personal information and criminal history.
At Ghanayem and Rayasam, our Atlanta, GA, sex crimes lawyers are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. We understand the sanctity of your privacy, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to protect your confidentiality. If you are facing allegations of a sexual offense, our legal team is prepared to provide you with strong legal advocacy.
What You Need to Know about the Georgia Sex Offender Registry
All Georgia sex offenders convicted of a sexual offense on or after July 1, 1996, must register on the sex offender registry. This includes all sexual offenders, and anyone classified as a sexually dangerous predator. A person is a sexually dangerous predator if there is a risk of that person committing a dangerous sexual offense in the future.
Within 72 hours of a sexual offender’s release from prison or placement on parole, supervised release, probation, or moving into the state, convicted sex offenders must register on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. A sexual offender must register in person in the county where they live. Failure to register will result in criminal sanctions, potentially resulting in 30 years in jail.
Collateral Consequences of Sex Offender Registration
The punishment for being a sexual offender lasts long after your prison sentence has ended. Registration on the sex offender registry will include your full name, current residence, physical description, photo, criminal offense, and conviction date. This information is available to the public, often causing individuals social isolation by neighbors and the community.
The ramifications of sex offender registration can also make it difficult to get back on your feet. Although you may be placed in transitional housing, this is only a temporary solution. You will be expected to actively look for housing. However, landlords typically run background checks regarding prospective tenants, so any arrests and convictions will come up. Landlords are weary of renting to former convicts, although they must provide a legitimate reason for denying housing.
If you are on parole, one of the conditions is finding and maintaining steady employment. Having a criminal record can also impact your ability to find a suitable job. While Georgia does have a “Ban the Box” law that prohibits public employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal background on an initial application, candidates applying for jobs in the private sector are not afforded the same protections.
At Ghanayem and Rayasam, we believe that everyone deserves to have a fresh start, no matter if you have a history of past transgressions. Given the penalties and ongoing consequences of a sex crime conviction, it is important that you obtain persistent counsel to defend your interests. The prosecution is only interested in securing a guilty verdict, using any tactics necessary. Thankfully, Attorney Ravi Rayasam’s background as an assistant district lawyer allows him to always remain one step ahead of the state. When hiring our legal team, you can rest assured that you are doing everything possible to safeguard your freedom.
Reach Out to Our Atlanta, GA, Sex Crimes Lawyers Today
If you are under investigation for a sexual offense, the attorneys at Ghanayem and Rayasam have the legal knowledge and experience to combat such charges. Our sex crimes attorneys draw upon their prior experience in providing a strategic defense. While any law school graduate can call themselves a lawyer, nobody can beat our results. If you are interested in learning more about our services or scheduling a consultation, contact us online or give us a call at (404) 561-0202 today.