Cobb County Sex Crime Lawyers
If you are facing sex crime allegations, we know that it can be one of the most stressful, intimidating, and life-changing events you will ever experience. These crimes are among the most serious of all criminal charges, not only because of the penalties you face but because of the negative social stigma attached to them. Your reputation, family life, job or career, and other personal or work relationships can be severely harmed by mere allegations even before you have had your day in court.
At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, we understand the enormous distress and fear you may be experiencing in these cases. Our team of seasoned criminal defense lawyers brings over 100 years of collective legal experience to help you fight sex crime charges.
It is our firm belief that everyone deserves the most effective defense possible in any criminal case, regardless of the nature of the alleged crimes. We will thoroughly investigate and analyze the evidence upon which you were charged. We use all our knowledge and skills to do everything possible to help you avoid or mitigate criminal penalties and the damaging social consequences surrounding these types of charges.
Find out how our Cobb County sex crime attorneys can help you at this critical time by requesting a confidential consultation. Contact us at Schnatmeier, Dettmering, Kilgo, LLP at (770) 599-5328.
Common Sex Crime Charges in Georgia
In Georgia, a wide range of offenses fall under the category of sex crimes, many of which are defined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 16, Chapter 6. The law categorizes sex crimes into different degrees based on the circumstances of the offense, such as the use of force, the victim's age, and their capacity to consent.
Unlike other offenses, the penalties for sex crimes in Georgia are not over after a sentence is served. A conviction often leads to lifelong registration as a sex offender, which severely impacts a person's life. A knowledgeable sex crimes lawyer in Cobb County will meticulously analyze the specific statute under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
These crimes can include, but are not limited to:
- Indecent exposure
- Lewd conduct
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Sexual assault or battery
- Rape, statutory rape, and date rape
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Solicitation of minors over the internet
- Sexting
Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove
To secure a conviction for a sex crime, the prosecution must prove several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Non-consensual Act: The state must prove that the sexual contact or activity occurred without the victim's intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent.
- Unlawful Sexual Contact: The state must prove that the defendant engaged in sexual activity that is prohibited by law. This can include acts that do not involve force, such as those involving a minor or a person who is mentally incapacitated.
- Force, Threats, or Deceit: For many felony sex crimes, the state must prove that the defendant used force, threats of force, or deceit to compel the victim to engage in a sexual act.
The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of the alleged victim, other witnesses, and complex forensic evidence. As a seasoned Cobb County sex crimes 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.
The Right Choice for Your Defense
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Constant Contact with Client
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Results Oriented
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Personalized Attention
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100+ Years of Combined Experience
Client Experiences
Hear from those we've represented in their legal battles.
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Sex Offender Registration in Cobb County
If you are convicted of a sex crime felony, you will face mandatory sex offender registration. This online database is available to the public. It includes your identity as well as information about your alleged crime. This will greatly impact where you can live and work as well as where you can go.
Sex offender registration is generally divided into categories based on the level of danger or threat you pose to the public. Level 1 is considered the lowest level of threat while Level 2 is considered a moderate threat. Level 3 is the most serious as it considers these offenders to have the likeliest possibility of committing a repeat offense.
Building a Strategic Defense Against Sex Crime Charges
Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned sex crimes lawyer in Cobb County, we will leverage every possible defense, including:
- Consent: In cases where the victim is of age, we can argue that the sexual activity was consensual and that the prosecution has not proven otherwise.
- False Accusations: We can argue that the alleged victim fabricated the accusations out of anger, jealousy, or a desire for revenge. This is a common defense in cases where the accuser and accused know each other.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We will argue that the evidence presented is not sufficient to meet this high standard, either because the witness testimony is inconsistent or the forensic evidence is flawed.
- Mistaken Identity: We can argue that you have been misidentified as the person who committed the crime. This defense is particularly strong when the identification is based on a flawed witness lineup or a single, fleeting observation.
- Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a former prosecutor help in my defense?
A former prosecutor understands how the state builds its case, allowing them to anticipate tactics and counter them effectively. This insight can strengthen your defense strategy, improve plea negotiations, and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
What should I do immediately after being accused?
Hire an experienced defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to anyone about the case except your lawyer. Gather and preserve any evidence that supports your defense, follow legal advice closely, and stay informed about your rights and the process.
Can sex crime charges be dismissed or reduced?
Yes, in certain cases. Weak or flawed evidence, constitutional violations, or strong defense arguments can lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal. An experienced attorney can identify opportunities for these outcomes.
How long does a sex crime case take to resolve?
Timelines vary. Some cases may conclude in months through plea negotiations, while others—especially those going to trial—can take a year or more. The complexity of the evidence and court scheduling also affect timing.
Why Choose Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering, & Kilgo, LLP
When you're facing a burglary charge, the duress and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering, & Kilgo, LLP, we believe that effective representation requires a combination of professional competence and personalized support. With over 100 years of combined experience, our dedicated attorneys are here to provide results-oriented and client-focused legal help that is honest, thorough, and centered on achieving the most favorable outcome for you.
Here's what sets our firm apart:
- Unmatched Prosecutorial Insight: Our legal team includes former District Attorneys who prosecuted crimes for the State of Georgia. This gives us a crucial insider's view into how the opposition builds their cases, providing your defense with a distinct strategic advantage.
- Constant Contact with Clients: We understand the importance of clear communication during a difficult time. Our attorneys remain in constant contact with our clients throughout all stages of the legal process, ensuring you're never left in the dark.
- Highly Recognized & Respected: Our proficiency has earned industry-wide recognition. Attorney Schnatmeier holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating, is a Super Lawyer, and has received the highest peer-reviewed rating of AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell®. Our firm is also listed in Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report.
- Personalized, Results-Oriented Advocacy: We are dedicated to delivering real results. We approach every case with a commitment to protecting your constitutional rights, aggressively pursuing your best interests, and using all our extensive knowledge and skill on your behalf.
Reach Out to Our Team for Help Today
When you need a strong defense, you can turn to our team at Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP. We have built a solid reputation for effective representation backed by our 100 years of combined criminal law experience. We understand the methods that law enforcement investigators can use against alleged offenders. They can include legal and procedural errors and even deceit with allegations based on falsehoods, misrepresentation, and malicious intent.
With former prosecutors on the team, we know all the tactics prosecutors use to mislead you in court in their pursuit of a conviction. We are here to apply our considerable knowledge and skills to help expose any weaknesses in their case against you as we pursue an optimum outcome through a well-developed defense strategy.
Facing a sex crime charge? With 100+ years of combined experience, we offer personalized attention. Call (770) 599-5328 or reach out online to speak with our sex crimes lawyer in Cobb County today.
