Athens Child Molestation Lawyer

Athens Child Molestation Attorney

Georgia takes child molestation extremely seriously. This emotionally charged crime can leave those convicted facing lengthy prison sentences, lifetime registration in the sex offender database, and collateral consequences such as reputational damage that can follow them for the rest of their lives. If you’re facing these potentially devastating charges, an Athens child molestation lawyer can help.

Trust The Fleming Firm

The team at The Fleming Firm is committed to providing a robust defense against any charges brought against our clients, including child molestation charges. We have a deep understanding of Athens’ child molestation laws and how they apply to different situations. Whether you were involved in a consensual relationship with a slightly younger peer or you have been falsely accused of committing a crime, we can help develop an effective defense.

Why Hire a Child Molestation Lawyer?

According to the National Children’s Alliance, in 2023, 7,223 cases of child sexual abuse were reported across Georgia. Another study by Georgia State University estimates that 1 in 10 children experiences sexual abuse before the age of 18.

Anyone facing these serious charges should hire a child molestation lawyer right away. Your Athens child molestation attorney can help you understand the charges, evaluate the evidence, and develop an optimal defense strategy. An experienced child molestation lawyer from The Fleming Firm can also represent you in Athens-Clark County Superior Court and in plea negotiations.

What’s Considered Child Molestation?

The term child molestation is relatively broad. It’s defined in Georgia Code 16-6-4(a) as any indecent act performed on or in the presence of any child under the age of 16 with the intent to satisfy sexual desires. It’s also considered sexual molestation to transmit images of people engaging in any indecent act to a child under the age of 16 with the intent to satisfy sexual desires.

Aggravated child molestation is a separate crime. If a defendant is accused of molesting a child and causing them physical harm in the process, they can face charges of aggravated child molestation. This charge carries more severe penalties, including a prison term of 25 years to life for a first offense.

Penalties for Child Molestation in Georgia

Child molestation in Georgia is a felony, so it should come as no surprise that the potential penalties for conviction are significant. For a first offense, a convicted defendant can face a sentence of between 5 and 20 years in prison and mandatory counseling. For any subsequent offense, the prison term increases to 10 to 30 years. It doesn’t matter whether the victim consented or not in cases of child molestation.

There is an exception to the rule. Georgia makes provisions for consensual sexual acts between minors. If the victim is between 14 and 16 and the defendant is 18 years or younger and no more than four years older than the victim, the crime of child molestation is reduced to a misdemeanor.

In addition to facing lengthy prison sentences, those convicted of felony child molestation also have to register as sex offenders with state and national sex offender databases. This is not intended to be an additional punishment. It’s a regulatory mechanism that results from a conviction for certain crimes of a sexual nature, including child molestation.

FAQs

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Accused of Child Molestation in Athens?

If you’ve been accused of child molestation in Athens, the first thing you should do is hire an Athens child molestation attorney. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can make the difference between walking away from your charges and spending up to 20 years, or even life, in prison. Even if your lawyer is unable to get your charges dropped, they may be able to get them reduced to something with a more manageable punishment.

How Are Child Molestation Charges Investigated and Prosecuted in Athens, Georgia?

In Georgia, child molestation cases are investigated and prosecuted through a joint investigation process that involves the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, Child Protective Services, and the Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Once the investigation has been completed, the prosecution is handled by the Athens-Clarke County District Attorney’s office.

What Defenses Can an Athens Child Molestation Lawyer Use to Fight the Charges?

There are several defenses an Athens child molestation lawyer can use to fight the charges. They include:

• Questioning the credibility of the accusations against you
• Collecting evidence that disproves the prosecution’s theory of the crime
• Presenting an alibi that shows you were not present at the crime
• Proving a lack of intent
• Using an age-related defense for consensual peer relationships
• Challenging evidence and procedure
• Showing prior false allegations

What Are the Potential Penalties for a Child Molestation Conviction in Athens?

The potential penalties for a child molestation conviction in Athens are severe. They typically include lengthy prison sentences and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Prison sentences range from 5 to 20 years for a first offense, to 10 to 30 years or life in prison for subsequent offenses. Aggravated child molestation carries a sentence of life imprisonment or 25 years to life with lifetime probation.

What Should I Look for in a Child Molestation Defense Attorney in Athens, Georgia?

When hiring a child molestation attorney in Athens, GA, prioritize experience in sex crimes defense, a proven track record, thorough investigation skills for false allegations, and local court knowledge in Athens. Seek client testimonials and clear communication on strategy. Do not trust your outcome to generalists. Understanding child suggestibility and the challenges of evidence is crucial for avoiding lifelong consequences in the registry.

Your Athens Child Molestation Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of molesting a child, you need a skilled Athens child molestation lawyer on your side. These charges are very serious and could result in substantial jail time if you are convicted. You can trust The Fleming Firm to provide you with an aggressive defense against these charges. We’ve taken on many child molestation cases and know how to treat them with the tact and skill they require. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.