Sexual Exploitation Lawyer in Savannah

Protecting Your Rights with Personalized Defense

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we understand the serious nature of sexual exploitation charges and the profound impact they can have on your life. Our legal team is dedicated to providing a strategic and personalized defense for those accused in Savannah, GA. 

With over a decade of experience and thousands of cases handled, we are committed to crafting defense strategies that protect your rights, your future, and your reputation.

Accusations of sexual exploitation can result in significant legal and personal challenges, affecting not just the accused but their families as well. Recognizing these stakes, our firm employs a comprehensive approach in crafting personalized defense strategies. We delve deep into each case's specifics, using our extensive local legal knowledge to challenge evidence and defend your liberties.

Facing a sexual exploitation charge? We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Call (912) 417-5008 or contact us online to speak with a sexual exploitation lawyer in Savannah today.

Understanding Sexual Exploitation Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, the crime of sexual exploitation is a broad category that is legally defined under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 16, Chapter 6. The law does not use the specific term "sexual exploitation" but instead prosecutes these offenses under a variety of statutes that are based on the exploitation of a minor or a person who is unable to give consent. 

The law is designed to protect vulnerable individuals and is treated with the utmost seriousness by the legal system. A knowledgeable sexual exploitation lawyer in Savannah will meticulously analyze the specific statute under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

• Unlawful Sexual Contact: The state must prove that the defendant engaged in a sexual act that is prohibited by law. This can include a wide range of acts that do not involve force, such as sexual contact with a minor or a person who is mentally incapacitated.
• Lack of Consent: The state must prove that the sexual contact or activity occurred without the victim's intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent. In cases of sexual exploitation, this is often established by the victim's age or mental capacity.
• Exploitation: The state must prove that the defendant exploited the victim's age or mental state for the purpose of sexual gratification.

The prosecution's case often relies heavily on the testimony of the alleged victim, other witnesses, and complex forensic evidence. As a seasoned Savannah sexual exploitation attorney, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Degrees of a Sexual Exploitation Offense in Savannah

In Georgia, sexual exploitation offenses are almost always prosecuted as felonies, with a specific focus on the severity of the act and the victim's age. The penalties increase significantly with the severity of the charge.

• Child Molestation (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-4): This is the most common sexual exploitation charge. It involves a lewd or immoral act with a child under 16 with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires. The penalties for child molestation range from five to 20 years in prison for a first offense. A second or subsequent conviction can result in a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment.
• Sexual Exploitation of Children (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-100): This is a serious felony that applies to a wide range of offenses, including the production, sale, or distribution of child pornography. The penalties for this offense are severe, with a potential prison sentence of one to 20 years.
• Sodomy (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-2): This offense is oral or anal sex, and when it is committed with a minor, the penalties are severe and can include a lengthy prison sentence.
• Statutory Rape (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-3): This offense is sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age. A conviction for statutory rape is punishable by a prison sentence of one to 20 years. If the offender is over 21, the minimum sentence increases to 10 years.
• Enticement of a Child for Indecent Purposes (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5): This is a felony that involves luring a child away with the intent to commit a sexual offense.

A knowledgeable sexual exploitation lawyer in Savannah will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Penalties of a Sexual Exploitation Conviction in Georgia

A conviction for sexual exploitation is a life-altering event. The legal penalties can be severe, and the collateral consequences can be even more devastating, creating barriers that can feel impossible to overcome. 

The direct legal penalties for a sexual exploitation conviction in Georgia are steep and often include:

• Incarceration: Prison time, ranging from a few years for a felony to life in prison for a serious felony.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• Mandatory Registration: A conviction for most sexual exploitation crimes requires mandatory registration as a sex offender, which is a severe and permanent consequence that will follow you for the rest of your life.
• Mandatory Counseling: The court may order you to attend various programs, such as sex offender treatment.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a sex crime can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and sex offenders are often barred from living in certain areas, such as near schools and daycares.

Additionally, a sex crime conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

The Georgia Criminal Defense Process for Sexual Exploitation Charges

Navigating the criminal justice system in Georgia for a sexual exploitation charge can be confusing and overwhelming. Our firm provides a clear, step-by-step guide and will be with you at every stage, ensuring you understand your rights and your options. We are an assertive sexual exploitation lawyer in Savannah who will be your unwavering advocate from your first court appearance to the final resolution of your case.

• Investigation and Arrest: The process begins with an investigation and arrest; it is crucial to remain silent and request a lawyer immediately.
• First Appearance and Arraignment: Within 72 hours of arrest, you will have your first appearance and arraignment to be informed of the charges and set bond.
• Preliminary Hearing (for felonies): A preliminary hearing is a critical opportunity to challenge the state's evidence and cross-examine witnesses before the case proceeds to a grand jury.
• Grand Jury Indictment: All felony cases in Georgia must be brought by a grand jury indictment. We understand this process and the strategies to challenge it.
• Discovery: We will obtain and review all the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you, including police reports, forensic evidence, and other relevant documentation, to build a strong defense.
• Pre-Trial Motions and Plea Negotiations: We will file pre-trial motions to challenge illegally obtained evidence or procedural errors and engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor, seeking a favorable agreement.
• Trial and Sentencing: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. If a conviction occurs, we will present mitigating evidence and arguments during sentencing to seek the most lenient sentence possible.

Our Proven Track Record & Commitment to Clients

Many choose Schneider Lerch, LLC because of our strong track record of success in litigating and resolving cases favorably. We prioritize listening to our clients, offering attentive service while aggressively defending their rights. Our lawyers have a reputation for being thorough, strategic, and responsive, creating defense plans meticulously tailored to each individual circumstance.

Through detailed investigations and evidence analysis, our team identifies crucial details that bolster our criminal defense strategy. This careful scrutiny often unveils insights other attorneys might overlook, improving the prospects of a favorable verdict. Our steadfast dedication to justice and client advocacy is recognized within the Savannah legal community.

The collaborative approach we adopt with clients transcends legal representation. We offer emotional support and steadfast advocacy, ensuring a holistic approach that supports clients throughout challenging legal battles. At Schneider Lerch, LLC, you are not just another case; you are a valued partner in a unified effort to defend your rights.

Contact Us Today for a Strong Defense

We'll work closely with you to devise a defense strategy specifically tailored to your circumstances, aiming to relieve the stress and uncertainty that often accompany such charges. Our team in Savannah is ready to provide the support and clarity you need, ensuring your rights are fiercely protected. Reach out now and let us help guide you towards a positive outcome.

Facing sexual exploitation charges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate this difficult time alone. Contact Schneider Lerch, LLC for a free, confidential consultation. Call now—(912) 417-5008