Savannah Sex Crime Lawyer

Types of Sex Crimes

Our Savannah criminal defense attorneys have provided outstanding representation for clients in all types of sex crime cases, including those that involve:

• Sexual crimes against minors
• Prostitution
• Failure to register
• Solicitation
• Child pornography
• Internet sex crimes
• Federal sex crimes
• Rape
• Violent crimes
• Indecent exposure
• Lewd conduct
• Sex with a minor
• Statutory rape
• Sodomy of a minor
• Oral copulation with a minor
• Date rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual battery

Cases involving minors or individuals with intellectual disabilities are particularly serious due to their inability to legally consent, making these cases especially sensitive and critical in legal defense.

Whether your charges consist of the possession of child pornography or child molestation, the legal team at is ready to defend your rights and aggressively pursue your freedom. Facing criminal charges related to a sex crime can be one of the most destructive offenses.

After an arrest takes place, friends and coworkers will begin to question what types of charges the defendant is facing. If they find out that charges related to sexual battery, rape, date rape, or statutory rape are the ones that their friend has been accused of, they will begin to question their friendship. Rape is considered the gravest form of sex crime, carrying the most severe legal and social consequences.

An employer may wish to terminate employment for an individual if they find out that they are facing sex crime charges for fear of a future incident, even if the person has not yet been convicted. As such, any person who is facing charges for any sex-related crime is strongly advised to talk to an attorney. A conviction can result in significant jail time, making it crucial to seek experienced legal representation.

Penalties For Sex Crimes

A sex crime conviction may result in any of a number of penalties, which vary greatly depending upon numerous factors such as the severity of the crime committed, whether a child was involved, whether violence, threats, or force were used, and whether the defendant has any prior criminal convictions on their record. Convictions can also result in hefty fines and prison time, which can have long-lasting impacts on your life.

State and Federal laws take strong stances against individuals charged with sexual related offenses, including both federal and state sex crime charges. The penalties for a conviction of a sex offense are incredibly high. For someone convicted of child molestation, there is no opportunity for parole or probation. Many sex offenses also require the offender to be listed on the sex offender registry for at least 10 years. With the Internet, this essentially amounts to public branding as a sex offender

Individuals charged with sexual offenses often face aggressive prosecution, making it important to hire an attorney who will not be intimidated. Our sex crime attorneys in Savannah, GA, are committed to protecting you every step of the way. We also have extensive experience defending clients against drug charges, theft offenses, and DUI cases.

By carefully examining all the evidence and witness testimony, we will search for discrepancies or conflicting information that can be used to pressure the prosecution into reducing or dismissing your charges. Whether you want to negotiate a plea that limits the damage to your future or take your case to trial to prove your innocence, our dedicated staff will fight to help you achieve the best possible resolution to your case. You also have the option to plead guilty, which can significantly affect the legal process and the outcome of your case.

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when facing the serious consequences of a sex crime conviction. The system is designed to uphold justice by protecting the rights of the accused while ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable. In cases involving sex crimes, the stakes are particularly high, making it essential to have a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side from the very beginning.

When you are accused of a sex crime, you are entitled to a fair and impartial trial. This means you have the right to be represented by a defense attorney who understands the complexities of sex crime charges and the legal process. An experienced criminal defense attorney will work closely with you to explain the charges, outline the potential consequences, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

The legal process begins with the investigation phase, where law enforcement gathers evidence and interviews witnesses. During this critical time, it is vital to remain silent and avoid making statements that could be used against you. Your defense attorney will guide you through this process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you make informed decisions at every step.

Experienced Defense for Serious Criminal Charges

Beyond the investigation, the criminal justice system involves several key stages, including bond hearings, plea bargaining, and the sentencing phase. Each stage presents its own challenges and opportunities, and the outcome can have a lasting impact on your future opportunities and financial stability. A skilled defense attorney will work tirelessly to identify procedural errors, challenge the admissibility of evidence, and use expert witnesses when necessary to build a strong defense.

In Georgia, sex crime charges can range from misdemeanor and felony charges to more severe offenses such as violent crimes. Successfully defending clients against these charges requires a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to aggressive, skilled legal representation. The attorneys at Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, in Savannah, Georgia, bring over 20 years of combined experience to every case, having successfully defended clients facing a wide array of criminal charges, including sex crimes and DUI charges.

If you or a loved one is accused of a sex crime, do not wait to seek legal help. Jarrett Maillet offers confidential consultations and unwavering dedication to protecting your rights and achieving the most favorable outcome possible. With a proven track record of successfully defending clients, their attorneys are prepared to fight for your best interest during such a difficult time. Contact the firm today to learn how their expertise can help you navigate the criminal justice system and secure your future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes Defense in Savannah, GA

What are the most serious penalties for a sex crime conviction in Savannah, and is sex offender registration permanent?

The penalties for a felony sex crime conviction in Chatham County are extraordinarily severe and life-altering. Convictions for offenses such as rape, aggravated child molestation, or statutory rape frequently result in mandatory minimum prison sentences ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment without parole. Additionally, a conviction triggers a mandatory requirement to register on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. In Savannah, this registration is typically indefinite and subjects the individual to strict residency and employment exclusions, prohibiting them from living or working within 1,000 feet of any school, childcare facility, playground, or public pool.

What are the most common defense strategies a Savannah attorney uses against a sexual assault accusation?

Defending against a sexual assault accusation in Georgia requires a meticulous examination of the evidence and the credibility of all statements involved. A primary defense strategy often centers on proving consent, utilizing electronic communications, text messages, or witness accounts to demonstrate that the interaction was entirely mutual. Other common defenses include asserting mistaken identity or establishing a verified alibi supported by digital tracking data, surveillance footage, or forensic DNA testing. Because these prosecutions often hinge heavily on verbal testimony, identifying material inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements during cross-examination is a vital method for creating reasonable doubt.

Can a sex crime charge be dropped if the alleged victim decides not to cooperate with the prosecutor in Chatham County?

An alleged victim does not have the legal authority to drop a sex crime charge once an arrest has been made in Savannah. In Chatham County, the decision to proceed with or dismiss a criminal case rests solely with the District Attorney’s Office. While an accuser’s refusal to cooperate or a formal recantation can significantly weaken the prosecution’s position, the state may still choose to move forward with the trial. Prosecutors frequently rely on independent evidence to build their case, including recorded 911 calls, police body camera footage, forensic medical exams, and physical evidence collected at the scene.

Can a person ever be removed from the Georgia Sex Offender Registry?

Yes, it is possible for certain individuals to be removed from the Georgia Sex Offender Registry, but the process is not automatic and requires a formal judicial petition. Under Georgia law, an individual must generally wait until five years have passed since the complete termination of their sentence, including prison, probation, and parole. The petitioner must also be assigned a Level 1 low-risk classification by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board. A superior court judge makes the final determination based on evidence of full rehabilitation, compliance history, employment stability, and whether the individual poses a substantial risk to public safety.

How does Georgia law define statutory rape, and what are the penalties?

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-3, statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with any person who is under the age of 16 and who is not the defendant’s spouse. Because minors cannot legally consent to sexual acts under Georgia law, the consent of the victim cannot be used as a defense. If the defendant is 21 years of age or older, a conviction is a serious felony carrying a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. However, a narrow misdemeanor exception exists if the defendant is 18 or younger and no more than four years older than the victim.

What is the difference between rape and aggravated sodomy under Georgia law?

Georgia law maintains highly specific technical distinctions between different types of sexual offenses based on the nature of the physical act. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1, rape is defined strictly as forced carnal knowledge, meaning the penetration of a female sex organ by a male sex organ against her will. Conversely, aggravated sodomy under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-2 involves performing or submitting to any sexual act involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person, executed with force and against that person’s will. Both offenses are classified as severe felonies carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.

Contact Us Today

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our Savannah, GA sex crime defense lawyers give clients the edge they need to protect their rights and their freedom. We know the criminal justice system inside and out and have seen, firsthand, the defense strategies that work. Drawing on our inside knowledge and experience, we build strong, solid defenses that protect our clients’ rights and freedom.

If you have been accused of a sex crime, sexual abuse, or are under criminal investigation, do not wait to get legal help. There are techniques we can use to limit your liability and sometimes prevent charges from being brought against you. Contact our office today at 912-713-3426 for a free consultation.