St. Marys Sex Crime Lawyer

Defending Your Rights and Freedom in St. Marys

One of the most frightening legal situations you can face is being charged with a sex crime in Georgia. St. Marys, known for its historic charm and proximity to the seashore, is no stranger to sex crimes. With a growing population, these crimes occur, and an individual can find their life completely changed when facing these kinds of allegations. If you find yourself charged with sex crimes, you need a St. Marys sex crime lawyer who can review your case and defend your rights.

For years, the team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. has been serving clients who face a wide range of criminal charges, including those for sex crimes. It comes as no surprise that such crimes are often viewed as particularly heinous by the public, and you may face a stigma of being guilty until you are ultimately proven innocent. Thus, it is important to hire an experienced defense attorney who understands the local legal system and how to correctly go about protecting your freedoms.

Being accused of a sex crime can destroy your personal and professional life before you ever step into a courtroom. Our law firm understands the serious penalties and severe consequences these charges carry. We provide strong legal representation and fight to protect your future at every stage of the criminal justice process.

Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Sex crime allegations require immediate legal advocacy from a skilled defense attorney who knows how to challenge weak evidence and build a strong defense. The prosecution’s case often relies on witness statements that may be unreliable or motivated by false allegations. Our criminal defense lawyer has over a decade of experience handling these sensitive cases.

Many people who are falsely accused don’t realize how quickly their reputation can be damaged. Even before a conviction, accusations can cost you your job, damage family relationships, and affect your standing in the community. Our law office works quickly to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

The criminal justice system moves fast in sex crime cases. Evidence must be gathered, witness statements need to be analyzed, and defense strategies must be developed promptly. Our legal team has represented clients in hundreds of criminal defense cases and knows exactly what steps to take to give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Understanding the Legal Process for Sex Crime Charges

Going through the criminal justice process for sex crime charges is different from other criminal offenses. These cases often involve detailed criminal investigations, forensic evidence, and emotional testimony. Understanding what to expect at each stage can help you make informed decisions about your defense.

After an arrest, law enforcement will conduct a thorough criminal investigation. This may include collecting DNA evidence, reviewing phone records, and interviewing potential witnesses. Our criminal defense attorney can be present during questioning to ensure your rights are protected and that you don’t inadvertently say something that could harm your defense.

Police reports in sex crime cases are often written in ways that favor the prosecution. Our law firm carefully reviews these reports to identify inconsistencies, errors, or bias that can be challenged in court. We also hire independent investigators when necessary to uncover evidence that law enforcement may have overlooked or ignored.

Defining Sex Crimes in St. Marys, Georgia

In Georgia, there is a wide range of sex crimes that can be charged under state law. With a population of 21,000 citizens, violent crimes, such as rape, do not often occur, but when they do, having an attorney on your side is vital. The most common of these crimes include the following:

• Rape: In 2023, there were 11 reported rapes in St. Marys. Rape occurs when a man uses his sexual organs to penetrate the sexual organs of a female. This is known as “carnal knowledge” and, in Georgia, only occurs when a male penetrates a female, meaning that males cannot be considered victims of rape as defined in the state. Rape charges, when convicted, can come with severe penalties.
• Sexual battery: This crime can occur when an individual makes intentional physical contact with the intimate parts of another individual without their consent. These intimate parts can include the genital area, inner thighs, buttocks, groin, or anus of a male or female, along with the breasts of a female. This charge can result in large fines and long prison sentences.

These charges are among the most serious in Georgia criminal law. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences that affect employment and housing. Our defense attorney knows how to challenge the prosecution’s case and create reasonable doubt about the allegations.

• Statutory rape: This crime can occur when an individual is allegedly guilty of having sexual intercourse with an individual who is under the age of 16 years old and is not the spouse of the accused person. A successful conviction of this crime can carry extremely long prison sentences and even mandatory sex offender registration under certain circumstances.
• Child molestation: This crime occurs when an individual performs a sexual act with a minor child to arouse or satisfy sexual desires. An individual may also be charged with this crime if they are found to be transmitting images of an individual engaging or participating in child molestation.

Charges involving minors carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system. Even first-time offenders face mandatory minimum sentences and sex offender registration requirements. Our law firm has handled numerous cases involving these allegations and understands the defense strategies that work best in these situations.

• Public indecency: This crime can occur when an individual performs certain sexual acts in public. This can include sexual intercourse, the intentional exposure of their sexual organs, or being in a state of partial or complete nudity. It can also include the caressing or fondling of another individual in public.
• Solicitation: This crime happens when an individual allegedly seeks to hire another individual to commit illegal acts, such as seeking sexual services for payment or the exchange of goods and services. An individual who is charged with solicitation is required to provide their fingerprint upon their arrest. A successful solicitation conviction can come with severe penalties, including fines and prison time.
• Prostitution: The crime of prostitution occurs when a person allegedly performs or consents to perform an act of a sexual nature, such as intercourse or sodomy, in exchange for money or other items of value or services. This crime is considered a misdemeanor and can be punished as such. However, the penalty can be elevated should the offense take place near a school, playground, or place of worship.

While these offenses may seem less serious than violent crimes, they still result in a criminal record and can require sex offender registration. Our criminal defense lawyer works to minimize these consequences and explore alternatives like plea deals or diversion programs when appropriate.

While these offenses may seem less serious than violent crimes, they still result in a criminal record and can require sex offender registration. Our criminal defense lawyer works to minimize these consequences and explore alternatives like plea deals or diversion programs when appropriate.

Other Sex-Related Offenses

• Incest: This crime can happen when an individual has sexual intercourse or engages in sodomy with an individual with whom they are related, either by blood or marriage. This can be a common occurrence between parents and children, stepparents and children, or between siblings.

Georgia law also includes other sex-related offenses such as voyeurism, sexual exploitation of children, and internet sex crimes. Each of these charges carries its own set of penalties and defenses. Our law office has experience with all types of sex crime cases and can provide the legal representation you need regardless of the specific charges you face.

How False Allegations Happen

False allegations of sexual assault and other sex crimes are more common than many people realize. These accusations can arise from misunderstandings, relationship disputes, custody battles, or even intentional lies motivated by revenge or financial gain.

In custody disputes, one parent may make false allegations against the other to gain an advantage in court. Teenagers and young adults sometimes make false claims after being caught in prohibited relationships or to avoid punishment for other behavior. Our criminal defense attorney has seen many cases where the alleged victim later recants or where evidence clearly contradicts their story.

The presumption of innocence should protect you, but in reality, sex crime accusations often lead to immediate consequences. You may be arrested, lose your job, or be separated from your family before any trial occurs. This is why having a skilled defense attorney from the very beginning can make all the difference in protecting your rights and your future.

Building Strong Defense Strategies

Every sex crime case requires carefully crafted defense strategies based on the specific facts and evidence. Our law firm doesn’t use cookie-cutter approaches. We thoroughly investigate each case and develop defense strategies tailored to your unique situation.

One common defense strategy involves challenging the credibility of the accuser. We examine their statements for inconsistencies, investigate their motives for making the accusation, and look for evidence that contradicts their version of events. In many cases, we uncover witness statements or physical evidence that prove the allegations are false.

Another important defense strategy focuses on consent. In cases between adults where the alleged victim claims the act was not consensual, we gather evidence showing that consent was given. This can include text messages, social media posts, or testimony from witnesses who observed the interaction between the parties.

We also challenge the weak evidence presented by the prosecution. DNA evidence must be properly collected and analyzed. We hire experts to review forensic testing and identify errors or contamination. In some cases, evidence that seems damaging actually supports your innocence when properly interpreted.

Protecting Your Rights During Criminal Investigation

Your constitutional rights don’t disappear just because you’ve been accused of a sex crime. Law enforcement must follow proper procedures during the criminal investigation, and any violations can result in evidence being excluded from your trial.

Illegal searches of your home, phone, or computer are common in sex crime cases. Police often exceed the scope of search warrants or conduct searches without warrants at all. Our criminal defense attorney carefully reviews how evidence was obtained and files motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Never speak to police about sex crime allegations without your defense lawyer present. Even innocent statements can be twisted and used against you. Contact our law office immediately if you’re under investigation or have been arrested.

The prosecution’s case often relies heavily on your statements to the police. Our legal team ensures you don’t make statements that could be misinterpreted or taken out of context. We handle all communication with law enforcement and prosecutors to protect your interests throughout the legal process.

The Consequences of Sex Crime Convictions

A sex crime conviction carries severe consequences that last far beyond any prison sentence. Understanding these consequences is important when deciding how to approach your defense and whether to consider plea bargains.

Sex offender registration is required for most sex crime convictions in Georgia. This means your name, photo, and address will be publicly available on a registry that anyone can access. You’ll face restrictions on where you can live and work, often being prohibited from living near schools, parks, or daycare facilities.

Your professional life will be dramatically affected by a sex crime conviction. Professional licenses in healthcare, education, and many other fields will be revoked. Background checks for employment will show your conviction, making it extremely difficult to find work. Even if you do find employment, you may be required to disclose your status to employers and coworkers.

Family relationships suffer tremendously after sex crime convictions. You may lose custody of your children or have supervised visitation only. The stigma attached to these convictions affects not just you but your entire family. Our law firm fights to prevent these devastating consequences by building a strong defense and working toward the best possible outcome in your case.

Our Approach to Sex Crime Defense

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we understand that being accused of a sex crime is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. We provide compassionate legal services while aggressively defending your rights in court.

Our law firm starts by conducting our own independent criminal investigation. We don’t rely solely on police reports or the prosecution’s version of events. We interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, examine forensic evidence, and consult with experts when necessary. This thorough approach helps us identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a strong defense.

We also handle other types of criminal defense cases, including DUI defense, aggravated assault, domestic violence cases, and personal injury matters. This broad experience helps us understand how different areas of criminal law intersect. For example, domestic violence cases often involve allegations of sexual assault, and we know how to defend against both types of charges simultaneously.

Our Savannah criminal defense attorney and GA criminal defense lawyer team has represented clients throughout the region. We understand local courts, prosecutors, and judges. This knowledge helps us negotiate better plea deals when appropriate and present more effective arguments in court when a trial is necessary.

When to Consider Plea Bargains

Not every sex crime case should go to trial. In some situations, accepting a plea bargain may be in your best interest. Our criminal defense attorney helps you understand when a plea deal makes sense and when fighting the charges at trial is the better option.

Plea bargains can sometimes reduce charges from felonies to misdemeanors. They may also eliminate or reduce sex offender registration requirements. In cases where the evidence against you is strong, a plea bargain might result in significantly reduced prison time compared to what you would face if found guilty at trial.

However, we never pressure clients to accept plea deals they’re uncomfortable with. We thoroughly explain the strengths and weaknesses of your case so you can make informed decisions. If the prosecution’s case has serious flaws or if the evidence supports your innocence, we prepare for trial and fight for a not guilty verdict.

Our legal team also explores alternatives to traditional prosecution in appropriate cases. First-time offenders or individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues may qualify for diversion programs. These programs allow you to avoid conviction by completing treatment or other requirements. We advocate for these alternatives whenever possible to help you avoid a criminal record.

Related Criminal Charges We Defend

Sex crime charges often come with additional criminal charges that can complicate your case. Our law firm handles all types of related offenses and provides comprehensive legal representation for multiple charges.

Aggravated assault charges sometimes accompany sex crime allegations when the alleged incident involved a deadly weapon or resulted in serious bodily harm. These charges can be prosecuted separately and carry their own severe penalties. We defend against both the sex crime charges and any related violent crime charges to minimize your overall exposure.

Domestic violence cases frequently involve allegations of sexual assault within intimate relationships. Georgia law treats domestic violence seriously, and prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively even when the alleged victim wants charges dropped. Our defense attorney has handled numerous domestic violence cases and knows the specific defenses that work in these situations.

We also defend clients facing aggravated assault charges that don’t involve sexual elements. These cases may involve allegations of causing bodily harm with a deadly weapon or without a weapon. Understanding how to defend violent crime charges helps us provide better representation in complex cases with multiple allegations.

FAQs

Q: How Can a Sex Crimes Lawyer Help Me?

A: If you ever find yourself accused of a sex crime, it is important that you retain legal counsel and representation as quickly as possible. An attorney can review the case and charges brought against you, help uncover evidence to support your defense, and ultimately argue your defense in a courtroom before a judge and jury. A criminal defense attorney protects your rights during police questioning, challenges illegal searches, negotiates with prosecutors, and builds defense strategies designed to create reasonable doubt. Our law firm also helps minimize the damage to your personal and professional life by working quickly to address the charges. With over a decade of experience in criminal defense cases, we know what it takes to achieve favorable outcomes even in difficult situations.

Q: What Crimes Place You on the Sex Offender Registry?

A: In Georgia, there are several crimes for which you can be convicted and placed on the sex offender registry. These crimes include rape or statutory rape, sexual assault, internet sex crimes, such as the circulation of child pornography, child pornography itself, solicitation of a minor, public indecency, child molestation or sexual assault, and prostitution. The sex offender registration requirements vary depending on the specific offense and your criminal record. Some convictions require lifetime registration, while others may allow you to petition for removal after 10 or 25 years. Our criminal defense lawyer explains exactly what registration requirements you face and works to reduce or eliminate these requirements when possible. Even avoiding conviction on the most serious charges while accepting a plea bargain for a lesser offense can sometimes mean avoiding sex offender registration entirely.

Q: How Do You Defend Against Sex Crimes?

A: Depending on the exact nature of the sex crime charge brought against you and the circumstances involved in the alleged crime, there are several defenses that your lawyer may be able to use to argue against your supposed guilt. These defenses can include having an alibi, being given consent by the alleged victim, or suffering a mistaken identity. Additional defense strategies include challenging the reliability of forensic evidence, exposing false allegations, demonstrating that illegal searches violated your rights, and showing that witness statements are inconsistent or unreliable. Our law office also investigates whether the alleged victim has made similar false allegations in the past. We work with expert witnesses who can testify about memory reliability, false confessions, and other issues that create reasonable doubt about your guilt. The key is developing defense strategies specific to your case rather than using generic approaches.

Q: How Is Child Pornography Defined in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, child pornography is the knowing possession or control of any materials that depict a minor individual or a portion of their body while engaged in a sexual act. This crime is punishable by lengthy prison sentences. Most often, child pornography is found on the alleged individual’s computer or other digital devices. These cases often involve extensive criminal investigations by federal and state authorities. Prosecutors sometimes charge individuals who unintentionally downloaded such materials or who had materials placed on their devices by others. Our criminal defense attorney works with computer forensic experts to determine who actually downloaded or possessed the materials and whether you had knowledge of their presence. We also challenge how law enforcement obtained access to your devices and whether their search violated your constitutional rights. Even in these serious cases, there are often defense strategies that can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime?

A: Being falsely accused of a sex crime is terrifying, but taking the right steps immediately can make all the difference in your case. First, do not contact the alleged victim or anyone connected to them. This can be misinterpreted as intimidation or witness tampering. Second, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, even before speaking to police. Our law firm will guide you through the criminal justice process and protect your rights from the very beginning. Third, preserve any evidence that supports your innocence. This includes text messages, emails, social media posts, photos, and any other documentation that contradicts the allegations. We also help you identify witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Many people who are falsely accused make the mistake of thinking the truth will automatically come out, but you need strong legal representation to ensure your side of the story is properly presented and that weak evidence is challenged effectively.

Q: Can Sex Crime Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

A: Yes, sex crime charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed depending on the circumstances and evidence in your case. Common reasons for dismissal include lack of evidence, violation of constitutional rights during the criminal investigation, false allegations that can be proven, or errors in how evidence was collected or analyzed. Our defense lawyer has successfully had charges dismissed by demonstrating that illegal searches were conducted, that the alleged victim’s story was inconsistent or contradicted by physical evidence, or that the prosecution couldn’t prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. Charge reduction through plea bargains is also possible. For example, we might negotiate to reduce a rape charge to sexual battery, or reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor. These reductions can mean the difference between decades in prison versus probation, and can affect whether sex offender registration is required. The key is having a skilled defense attorney who knows how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and negotiate effectively with prosecutors.

Q: How Long Do Sex Crime Cases Take to Resolve?

A: Sex crime cases typically take longer to resolve than other criminal offenses because they involve complex criminal investigations, forensic evidence, and sensitive testimony. Simple cases might be resolved in a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or more to reach trial. The timeline depends on many factors, including the severity of charges, the amount of evidence, whether expert witnesses are needed, and court scheduling. Our law office works to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while still providing thorough legal representation. We don’t rush your defense just to speed up the process. However, we also understand that having charges hanging over your head affects every aspect of your life. We keep you informed throughout the legal process and work diligently to achieve resolution in a timely manner. Some cases can be resolved through early plea negotiations, while others require taking the case to trial to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome.

Protect Your Rights and Future by Contacting Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. Today

If you are facing sex crime charges in St. Marys, it’s time to reach out to Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. today. With our knowledge of local laws and the judges and prosecutors often assigned to these cases, we can enter into negotiations to try to reduce the charges brought against you and the potential sentences involved. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation with our team at 912-713-3426 and learn more about our services.