Hinesville Sex Crime Lawyer

Defense Counsel for Sex Crimes in Hinesville, GA

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., has years of experience as a criminal defense attorney in Hinesville. If you are facing any type of criminal charges, it is vital to understand your rights and to know what to do in this situation. After an arrest for any crime in the state, you have the right to remain silent. You should comply with the police and not attempt to resist arrest, even if you know you have been wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit. This will only work against you.

Remain silent until you are able to exercise your right to legal counsel. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to legal representation when you are accused of a crime, so you need to reach out to a Hinesville sex crimes lawyer right away after your arrest and booking. The faster your attorney is able to respond to the situation, the better your chances are of formulating an effective defense.

Sex crimes are understandably considered some of the most heinous offenses a person can commit, so proper response to any such charges is essential if you wish to minimize the negative impact these charges can have on your life. Employers are keen to fire employees accused of sex offenses to minimize reputational harm and may do so even before conviction. It is also likely for such charges to severely strain the defendant’s personal relationships.

Understanding State Sex Crime Laws

There are many criminal offenses that fall within the definition of sex crimes in the state, such as:

• Sexual assault. This can include the unwelcome and unwanted physical contact of another person in any sexual manner.
• Rape. This defines forced sexual intercourse against the victim’s will or while the victim is unable to provide affirmative consent to sexual activity.
• Indecent exposure, which can apply to the display of one’s genitalia in view of the public, public urination, or engaging in consensual sexual activity with another party in view of the public.
• Statutory rape or violation of the state’s Age of Consent laws. It is important to note that Georgia upholds a Romeo and Juliet law, which applies to an alleged victim between the ages of 14 and 16 and an alleged defendant no older than 18 or four years older than the victim. If this law applies, the defendant can only face a misdemeanor charge.
• Prostitution. Both the attempted sale and purchase of sexual favors are illegal under the state’s prostitution laws.
• Child pornography charges, which apply to any type of media displaying the sexual assault and exploitation of minors.

These are only a few possible examples. Just as in every criminal case, there is a possibility for a defendant to face a misdemeanor or felony conviction based on the severity of the offense or offenses. Both aggravating and mitigating factors are considered for criminal sentencing in the state. Aggravating factors work against the defendant while mitigating factors work in their favor.

Aggravating factors in sex crime cases typically involve the age of the victim, whether the defendant caused great bodily harm and/or infected the victim with a sexually transmissible disease, whether the defendant took steps to conceal their actions, and more. In every criminal case, the prosecutor bringing charges against the defendant has the burden of proving the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is important to note that in any case in which a victim is alleged, the defendant can not only face criminal prosecution from the state but also a civil claim for damages from the victim. The victim of a sex crime is likely to seek compensation for medical expenses, economic loss, and pain and suffering resulting from the incident.

Penalties for conviction of a sex crime in the state are often serious, even at the misdemeanor level. A defendant may face jail time, heavy fines, mandatory psychological counseling, restitution to victims, and more at the discretion of the sentencing judge. Sex offender registration is also particularly damaging for the defendant as this is likely to limit their employment opportunities and options for living arrangements for years to come.

How Your Hinesville Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., can provide the comprehensive defense counsel you need when you have been arrested and charged with a sex crime in Hinesville. The first steps you take immediately following arrest and booking are crucial. Any missteps could work against you in dramatic fashion. When you are placed under arrest, comply with arresting officers and do not say anything until you can speak with an attorney.

Your Hinesville sex crimes lawyer can review the details of your arrest and booking, verifying that the police followed the laws of due process and respected your constitutional rights through all their interactions with you. Your attorney can also ensure the prosecution handles the case appropriately and presents admissible evidence.

If you have been wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit, your Hinesville sex crimes lawyer is your most potent asset when it comes to clearing your name. They can help you dismantle the case against you, establish an alibi, or prove that you were wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit. If you did commit some type of criminal act, your defense lawyer can potentially help mitigate your penalties through plea bargaining, though this is not always possible.

It’s vital to secure defense representation as quickly as possible after any arrest in Hinesville. Contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., today and schedule a consultation with an experienced, trustworthy Hinesville sex crimes lawyer to defend you against the serious charges you face.