Macon, Georgia, Sexual Battery Defense Lawyer
A sexual battery charge can threaten your freedom, reputation and future. An accusation may also affect your job, family and standing in the community before your case even reaches court.
At Fitzgerald Law, I have spent more than 13 years defending people accused of crimes in Georgia and have tried more than 50 cases. I give my clients direct advice, clear communication and a defense based on the facts.
Understanding Sexual Battery Charges In Georgia
Georgia law defines sexual battery as intentional, unwanted contact with certain intimate areas of another person’s body. It differs from aggravated sexual battery, which involves penetration with a foreign object.
Prosecutors must prove every part of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In general, they must show that the accused deliberately made the contact, that it involved an intimate body area and that the other person did not consent.
Georgia generally treats a first sexual battery offense as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Some circumstances can lead to felony charges. For example, sexual battery involving a child younger than 16 is a felony. A repeat conviction can also result in a felony. These felony offenses can carry one to five years in prison.
Penalties And Long-Term Consequences Of A Sexual Battery Conviction In Georgia
A conviction can affect much more than your immediate freedom. Depending on the offense, Georgia may require sex offender registration. Some qualifying convictions may also result in the state placing identifying information on its public registry.
A conviction may also create other problems, including:
- Difficulty finding or keeping a job
- Housing restrictions
- Problems with professional licenses
- Loss of firearm rights after a felony conviction
- Damage to personal and professional relationships
These consequences can follow you long after your criminal case ends.
Effective Defense Strategies Against Sexual Battery Allegations
Every case has different facts. I carefully review the evidence, witness accounts and police actions before deciding how to build a defense.
Possible defense issues may include:
- Consent: Messages or other evidence may show that the contact was consensual.
- False allegations: Personal disputes, custody issues or retaliation may raise questions about a witness’s account.
- Insufficient evidence: Physical evidence may be limited, or witness statements may conflict.
- Constitutional violations: Police may have conducted an unlawful search, questioned you improperly or violated your Miranda rights.
A strong defense depends on the details of the case. I look at the full picture to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and determine which arguments may help protect your rights.
Talk To A Sexual Battery Defense Attorney In Macon
As a sexual battery defense lawyer, I know serious charges require careful preparation. I bring years of courtroom experience to each case while keeping my clients informed throughout the process.
Contact Fitzgerald Law for a free consultation with a sexual battery attorney in Macon. I can review the allegations, explain your options and help you decide what to do next. Call my office today at 478-787-4480 or use my online form.