Roswell Sex Crime Lawyer

Sex Crime

Roswell Sex Crime Attorney

Being charged with a sex crime is a serious offense. Even if you are not convicted, the social stigma and accusations can follow you for a long time afterwards. If you are accused of a sex crime, you need the help of a Roswell sex crime lawyer right away to begin securing your rights and fighting for your future. The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can help.

About The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman

For over 25 years, Lawrence J. Zimmerman has been representing individuals accused of serious crimes, including sex crimes, violent crime, and white collar crime cases in both Georgia and federal criminal defense courts. He has won acquittals from murder to sexual assault and is widely regarded as one of the state’s leading criminal defense attorneys.

Mr. Zimmerman is a former President of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is currently a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors. He has been a legal analyst for national media outlets and has received a number of awards for his legal work. Most importantly, he treats each and every case with discretion and tenacity.

What Is a Sex Crime?

Georgia law defines sex crimes as any criminal behavior involving sexual contact or conduct that is not permitted by law. Sex crimes and offenses are prosecuted under O.C.G.A. Title 16, Chapter 6. The law covers behavior ranging from sexual battery to rape, child molestation, and more.

Federal law also prohibits sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking under Title 18 of the United States Code. Federal courts handle these cases when they concern online activity or interstate travel. These laws are broad, and the penalties are significant, so even allegations of a sex crime without physical evidence can lead to a criminal charge.

According to the Sexual Violence Resource of Georgia, 32 rapes out of 100 are reported to the police. On average, only two offenders will be imprisoned as a result of those reported, while seven result in an arrest, and three are referred for prosecution.

Types of Sex Crimes

Sex crimes range in type and are defined by the circumstances surrounding the case and the severity of the offense. Some of the most common sex crime cases in Roswell include:

• Sexual battery: This is the unwanted sexual contact inflicted on another person. This can escalate to aggravated sexual battery if an object is used.
• Rape: Rape often carries harsh sentences. This is intercourse that is forced on another person.
• Statutory rape: This involves sexual activity between a minor and someone who is an adult. Legally, it does not matter if the minor consented to the activity, as they are not capable of consenting according to sex crime laws.
• Child molestation: This includes engaging in indecent acts with minors. These also come with harsh penalties.
• Sexual exploitation of children: This includes offenses such as child pornography, where sexual activities involving children are possessed or distributed.
• Online sex crimes: This involves any illegal sex act committed via the internet, including soliciting a child online.
• Sex trafficking: This involves transporting or recruiting people for the purposes of sexual gratification.

Each type of sex crime is different, but they each carry significant penalties that can affect a person’s life and criminal record, in some cases, for the rest of their lives.

Sex Crime Penalties

Sex crime convictions can come with some of the most severe punishments in Georgia. Offenders usually face a long prison sentence, along with fines, probation, and other restrictions for life. A number of crimes also require registration as a sex offender. That registration can affect a person’s housing, employment, and even travel opportunities.

Judges at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta hear many of these cases. They are aggressively prosecuted, making it important to hire a sex crime lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer?

A Roswell sex crime attorney can assist you in your case to fight for your future. They can object to the testimony of unreliable witnesses, cross-examine police officers about their investigation methods, and move to suppress illegally obtained evidence. A good lawyer may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain for reduced charges or alternative sentencing and prepare a strong defense if your case goes to trial.

FAQs

What Are the Sex Laws in Georgia?

Georgia criminalizes various forms of misconduct, including rape, aggravated sexual battery, sexual exploitation, child molestation, and statutory rape, in O.C.G.A. Title 16, Chapter 6. The age of consent is 16, and any sexual intercourse with a person under 16 is statutory rape (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-3). Consent is not a defense where the party is below the age of consent. Registration on the sex offender registry is also required for many of these offenses.

What Is the New Law for Sex Offenders in Georgia?

One new law for sex offenders in Roswell, GA was Senate Bill 249, signed in 2024. On April 23^rd, 2024, Governor Kemp signed SB493, a bill that relates to the use of drones by registered sex offenders and changes the procedures by which sex offenders may petition for removal from the sex offender registry.

How Strict Is Georgia on Sex Offenders?

Georgia’s punishments for certain serious sex crimes are relatively severe. Mandatory minimum sentences are required for a range of criminal actions, including but not limited to rape and aggravated child molestation. Registration on the state sex offender registry is usually required for most offenders. There are restrictions on residency, employment, and contact.

What Is the Romeo-Juliet Law in Georgia?

Georgia’s Romeo-Juliet law is a close-in-age exception to statutory rape law. This allows consensual sex between a minor (ages 14-16) and someone no more than four years older to be charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. The exception does not apply when the age difference is greater than four years or if the minor is under 14.

Contact The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman Today

If you have been accused of a sex crime, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can advocate for you in your case. Contact us today to get started.