Hinesville Rape Defense Attorneys
Experienced Defense Against Rape Charges in Georgia
Georgia law defines rape as a man having "carnal knowledge" of a "female forcibly and against her will." Carnal knowledge refers to the penetration of the vagina by the penis. Rape can even occur between spouses, so a defendant can't use marriage as a defense. Likewise, there are different types of rape you could be accused of. Sexual offenses involving 2 men, or 2 women could be charged as aggravated sodomy or sexual battery instead of rape. Statutory rape includes the rape of someone under the age of 16.
If you've been charged with rape, it's vital to see a skilled Hinesville sex crimes attorney about your case as soon as possible. Even if the situation is just a misunderstanding, the only way to help yourself is to mount a strong defense. We can help you build a case as soon as you get in touch with us.
Tell us about your situation by calling us at (866) 580-3089 or filling out our online form today.
Types of Rape Charges
Rape involves an adult male committing the offense against an adult female. This law only applies to crimes against women. The penalty for rape is the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or a minimum of 25 years in prison followed by lifetime probation.
Statutory rape involves anyone having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16. According to the law, regardless of the 16-year-old's ability to give consent, the law doesn't consider a person of that age to have the capacity to consent legally. The penalty for a conviction depends on the situation. If the victim is 14 to 16 years old and the defendant is either 18 years of age or no more than 4 years older than the victim, he or she will be guilty of a misdemeanor. This will result in a punishment of up to 1 year in jail, probation, fines, community service, and a possible "stay away" order.
In any other situation, the offense would be a felony. If the offender is under 21 years of age, he or she will receive 1 to 20 years in prison. If the offender is over the age of 21, he or she will receive 10 to 20 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
Contact Us Today
Being found guilty of rape leads to severe consequences in the state of Georgia. Likewise, even if you don't spend years of your life in prison, you could be registered as a sex offender for life. Sex offenders often have a hard time finding employment and places to live. Let our experienced Hinesville criminal defense lawyers help you defend your rights and your freedom.
Contact us at (866) 580-3089 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation today!