If you have been accused of committing a sex crime, you may feel scared and confused. What most people do not understand is that being charged with a sexual offense does not automatically make you guilty, but it does make it necessary to hire experienced representation to defend your interests. The district attorney’s office takes allegations of a sex crime seriously, with legislation imposing harsh penalties for those found guilty.
The state has vast resources on its side, allowing it to dig up any dirt on you to obtain a conviction. Given the advantage of the prosecution, you deserve someone fighting equally as hard in your corner. If you are ready to take the first step to protect your interests, do not hesitate to contact the Atlanta, GA, sex crimes attorneys at Ghanayem and Rayasam today.
Imprisonment
Most sex crimes in Georgia are charged as felony offenses. A felony is classified as a crime that involves at least one year in prison. Certain aggravating factors will increase the severity of your punishment, including if you have a history of prior offenses, if the victim was a minor or mentally incapacitated, or if the victim was physically injured. Sentencing for sex crimes can range from as little as one year to the death penalty.
If you have been convicted of rape, you could serve a split sentence consisting of at least 25 years in prison, followed by lifetime probation. Alternatively, you could be sentenced to life in prison, life in prison without parole, or the death penalty.
Fines
In most jurisdictions, criminal offenses are accompanied by court-imposed or statutory fines, and sex crimes do not escape this punishment. The fine accompanying a sex crime conviction will depend on whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. Fines will range based on the severity of the offense, with crimes against minors being fined more heavily. Even a misdemeanor sex crime charge carries the potential for a fine of $5,000, with some felony offenses imposing a fine of up to $100,000.
Registration on the Sex Offender Registry
Sex crimes committed in Georgia on or after July 1, 1996, require the convicted individual to register on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. Information on the registry is available to the public, with each entry including the offender’s full name, current or last known address, the offense committed, and the date of conviction, along with a photograph and any known aliases. The registry is used to make others aware of individuals in their community who have a history of committing sexual offenses. Moreover, you will be restricted in where you can live, with Georgia sex offenders being prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of schools, childcare facilities, parks, or churches.
Sex Crime Lawyers Providing Tenacious Representation
The penalties for a sex crime conviction are severe, making a strategic defense essential. If you are facing accusations of a sexual offense, there is a strong possibility that you will miss out on major life events, with many sex offenders serving a minimum of five years in prison.
The Atlanta, GA, sex crimes lawyers at Ghanayem and Rayasam understand the pressure that you are under if you are facing a sex crime charge. Evidence is key in sex crime cases, but knowing how to gather it and use it in your favor requires experienced counsel, which is what you will get when you retain our legal services. Both of our attorneys have extensive criminal law experience, giving them the background needed to provide you with skilled representation.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation? Contact Our Atlanta, GA, Sex Crimes Attorneys Today
Sex crime allegations can tarnish your reputation, stripping you of the support system that you grew to rely on. Do not leave your future to chance. If you have recently been arrested or charged with a sexual offense, our Atlanta, GA, sex crimes lawyers would like to speak with you. To learn how the attorneys at Ghanayem and Rayasam can be of assistance in your case, contact us online or give us a call at (404) 561-0202 today.