McDonough Sex Crime Lawyer

McDonough Sex Crime Attorney

Facing any criminal charge in Henry County can be incredibly daunting, especially one that carries the social stigma of a sex-related criminal offense. If you have been charged with any type of sex crime, a McDonough sex crimes defense attorney is the ideal asset to have to assist you in this difficult situation. Whether you committed the offense in question and seek to mitigate your penalties or you have been falsely accused of a crime you did not commit, you need defense representation you can trust to guide you through the difficult proceedings ahead of you.

Experienced Defense Counsel for Sex Crime Cases in McDonough, GA

The attorneys at Miller, North & Brill provide comprehensive and aggressive criminal defense counsel in every case our firm accepts. When you choose our firm as your McDonough sex crime defense attorneys, we will immediately begin evaluating the details of your arrest and booking, and we will listen to your side of the story. Unfortunately, sex crimes are some of the most common falsely reported crimes in the country due to the severe social stigma attached to these offenses. The mere accusation can be enough to ruin a person’s reputation, even if they are later found innocent.

When you have been arrested for any sex crime in Henry County, it is crucial to know your constitutional rights that come into play upon arrest and how to form the most effective defense possible. Miller, North & Brill can provide the guidance and support you need in this challenging situation.

Your Constitutional Rights in a Criminal Case in Georgia

Whenever a person is arrested for any crime in Henry County, they have two constitutional rights that come into play, and it is crucial for every defendant in this situation to take full advantage of these rights. First is the right to remain silent. This is protected by the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution, aimed at preventing a defendant from being compelled into self-incrimination. When the police arrest you and read you your Miranda rights, they will remind you of this right, and that anything you say during arrest and booking can be used against you.

You are not required to answer any questions from the police, regardless of whether they tell you otherwise. If you have been arrested for a crime that you know you did not commit, do not assume that you can explain your way out of this situation. The police have no real incentive to help you, and it’s likely that anything you do say will be misrepresented in the worst possible light.

The second right that you have in this situation is the right to legal counsel, ensured by the Sixth Amendment. Every American citizen accused of a crime has the right to an attorney, even if they cannot afford to hire one. In the event a defendant cannot afford a private criminal defense attorney or does not wish to pay for one, the court can assign a public defender to represent them free of charge.

It may be tempting to choose free defense counsel, and most of the public defenders working in Henry County are capable, hardworking lawyers who aim to provide the best possible representation for their assigned clients. However, most public defenders simply do not have the flexibility to provide much individual attention to any given client. They are required to handle multiple cases at a time, so if you have a public defender represent you, you may only be able to expect an hour or two each day dedicated to working on your case.

Potential Penalties for Sex Crimes and Possible Defenses in McDonough, GA

Georgia’s sex crime laws are very broad, covering a wide range of offenses. A few general categories of sex crimes prosecuted in McDonough include:

• Sexual assault, which may escalate to sexual battery or rape. This offense is characterized by forcing another person to perform sexual acts or forcibly engaging in sexual acts against the victim’s will.
• Crimes involving children. Any sex offense involving a child is likely to automatically qualify for felony prosecution, and the defendant could face life in state prison along with additional penalties if they are found guilty.
• Prostitution and pandering. It is illegal to offer or solicit sexual services in exchange for money in the state. Offenses may include engaging in such transactions directly, facilitating such transactions on behalf of third parties, providing a place for these exchanges to transpire, and concealing information related to illegal prostitution activity.
• Indecent exposure, public indecency, and engaging in sexual acts in the view of the public.

Penalties for conviction of a sex crime in Henry County can include incarceration, a heavy fine, and mandatory sex offender registration. These penalties increase based on the severity of the offense. In the event the defendant caused bodily injury to the victim, they could face a civil suit as well.

In every criminal case prosecuted in Henry County, the prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the job of the defense attorney to prevent the prosecution from meeting this burden of proof. Ultimately, there is no single legal strategy that works in every case, so it is crucial to connect with a McDonough sex crimes defense attorney who can provide the individualized defense counsel you want to have to reach the best possible outcome to your case.

FAQs McDonough, GA Sexual Assault Laws

How Do I Win a Criminal Defense Case?

If you are accused of a crime, an experienced defense attorney is the best asset to have on your side. If you did not commit the offense in question, your job is to prove that the prosecution cannot meet the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They may accomplish this by establishing a credible alibi and showing the flaws in the prosecution’s arguments. If you did commit the offense in question, your best hope is for your attorney to help you mitigate your sentence. Ultimately, the best strategy will vary from case to case.

How Long Will I Face Sex Offender Registration in Henry County?

Most people convicted of sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible and entails housing and employment restrictions. Depending on the severity of your offense, removal from the registry may not be an option. However, if you complete your required registration period and believe you qualify for removal, you must file a petition with the Henry County criminal court. An experienced McDonough sex crimes defense attorney is the best asset to have assisting you with this effort, and they will help you gather the evidence needed to make a compelling petition.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I Have Been Falsely Accused?

Do not make the mistake of assuming that hiring defense representation is a sign that you know you are guilty. It is never wise to enter criminal court proceedings without legal counsel, and sex crimes carry some of the harshest penalties assigned to convicted defendants in Henry County. Unfortunately, many people are charged and convicted of crimes they did not commit, and the best way to prevent this from happening to you is to hire a McDonough sex crimes defense attorney you can trust.

How Long Will My Criminal Case Take to Conclude?

The justice system can move slowly at times, and there could be weeks or even months between your courtroom appearances. Your McDonough sex crimes defense attorney can provide an estimate of the timetable you can expect for your case. The time your case will require to complete largely depends on the severity of the charges against you and the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a McDonough Sex Crimes Defense Attorney?

Every case is different and must be handled in a unique and specifically tailored way based upon the client. Before agreeing to an attorney’s representation, be sure you fully understand their billing policy. When you choose Miller, North & Brill as your defense counsel, we will provide a clear breakdown of our pricing so you will know exactly what to expect in your impending case.

The attorneys at Miller, North & Brill have years of professional experience in criminal defense representation, and our firm has helped many past clients avoid convictions and mitigate sentencing in a wide range of cases. We know the stakes in play in your impending sex crime case and want to provide the guidance and support you want to have to approach the situation with greater confidence and peace of mind. To learn how a McDonough sex crimes defense attorney can help, contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team.