Sex Crime Attorney in Liberty County

Trial-Ready Defense for Serious Sex Crime Allegations

Sex crime cases can turn on disputed accounts, digital evidence, forensic findings, and constitutional questions. Schneider Lerch, LLC builds each defense around the specific facts of the allegation and prepares thoroughly for trial when necessary.

Founded in 1996, we’ve handled thousands of state and federal criminal cases. We litigate vigorously while listening carefully to our clients and protecting their constitutional rights throughout the legal process. We understand that an accusation can threaten a person’s freedom, reputation, employment, and future opportunities.

Don’t answer police questions about a sex crime allegation without legal counsel. Call (912) 417-5008 now to speak with our defense attorneys.

Sex Crime Charges We Defend in Liberty County

We represent people accused of felony and misdemeanor sexual offenses involving adults, minors, and online activity. The precise charge matters because Georgia law defines these offenses differently and assigns distinct penalties to each.

Our sex crime defense practice includes:

• Rape and statutory rape
• Sexual assault and battery
• Sodomy and aggravated sodomy
• Child molestation
• Prostitution and solicitation
• Indecent exposure
• Soliciting minors online
• Possession or distribution of child pornography

Georgia sex offense felonies are heard in Liberty County Superior Court, part of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. We’re prepared to defend these cases there when the circumstances require a trial.

What to Do During an Investigation or After an Arrest

Early decisions can affect how a sex crime investigation develops. Don’t speak with police or investigators without an attorney present, even if they describe the conversation as informal or suggest that answering questions could resolve the matter. Statements may become evidence, and trying to explain an accusation without counsel can create additional issues.

Document relevant details and conversations while they’re fresh, but don’t contact an accuser or potential witness to discuss the allegations. Preserve messages, account information, and other potentially relevant materials. Contact a sex crime lawyer serving Liberty County promptly for confidential guidance based on your circumstances.

Credibility, Motive & Consent

Some allegations depend heavily on competing accounts of what occurred. We examine inconsistencies, possible motives, prior communications, and the surrounding timeline. When appropriate, we challenge credibility and motive through cross-examination and evaluate whether consent is legally and factually relevant to the charge.

Forensic & Digital Evidence

Physical and electronic evidence requires careful scrutiny. Our defense may include an independent review of DNA collection, testing, interpretation, or reported findings. In internet sex crime cases, important factual or constitutional questions may involve the identity of a device user, account access, communications, and how digital material was obtained.

Negotiations & Trial Preparation

We prepare criminal cases with trial in mind and litigate vigorously when necessary. When supported by the facts and law, we negotiate for dismissal or a reduction to a non-registry offense. Any available resolution depends on the charge, evidence, procedural history, and decisions made by the prosecution and court.

Our approach combines decades of criminal defense experience with insight from a former prosecutor. That perspective informs how we assess the government’s evidence, anticipate its arguments, and develop a strategy tailored to the case.

Potential Georgia Sex Crime Penalties & Registration

Potential penalties vary by offense, the accused person’s age, prior record, and other statutory factors. Rape is codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1 and can carry a sentence of 25 years to life. Statutory rape can carry 10 to 20 years when the accused is 21 or older, although the applicable sentencing range depends on the facts and charging provision.

Child molestation and aggravated child molestation can carry 5 to 20 years for a first offense. Aggravated sexual battery may carry a mandatory minimum sentence and potential imprisonment up to life. Because offense definitions and sentencing rules are specific, the exact statute and alleged conduct must be examined before assessing exposure.

Georgia codifies prostitution at O.C.G.A. § 16-6-9. Sexual exploitation of children is codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-12-100, and most felony violations can carry 5 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 per violation. Separate counts may create additional sentencing exposure.

Many felony sex offense convictions may also require lifetime registration on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. Registration can create long-term reporting and public-record consequences beyond incarceration or fines. We evaluate the charged offense, possible registration implications, and whether negotiations toward a non-registry offense are appropriate under the circumstances.