Atlanta Rape Lawyers

Fighting Rape Charges in Georgia

Generally, rape involves unlawful sexual intercourse with another person. Depending on the age of the alleged victim, rape can occur whether consent was given. In Georgia, this is a serious offense that can be punished by decades to life imprisonment. And in the most severe cases, by death. Merely being accused of rape can ruin your reputation and relationships, making it challenging to live your life. If you are convicted, you can face even harsher consequences, as you will have a criminal record and be required to register as a sex offender, both of which can affect access to various opportunities, including employment and housing.

At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, we are aware of the impacts a rape accusation and conviction can have on your life. That is why we will do what is necessary to protect your rights and freedoms. Our Atlanta rape attorneys serve the people of Georgia facing accusations and fight hard through every step of the case. Providing personalized representation, we get to know our clients and listen to their sides of the story to build a custom defense strategy for them. We recognize that it can feel as if the justice system is stacked against you, and prosecutors, officers, and others have already decided that you are guilty, even though, in the eyes of the law, you are innocent unless proven otherwise. When you turn to us, you will have a zealous advocate on your side, ensuring that your voice is heard.

Our rape lawyers in Atlanta are ready to help. To speak with a member of our team about your case, call us at (678) 582-2272 or contact us online.

What Is Georgia's Rape Law?

Georgia's law concerning rape is OCGA § 16-6-1. It provides that the offense is committed when the male sex organ unlawfully penetrates the female sex organ.

For the conduct to be considered unlawful, it must have been done:

• Forcibly and against the female's will, or
• Against a female under 10 years of age.

In other words, a person commits the offense when they have sex with someone without consent or by causing the alleged victim to submit using force or threats.

Some situations do exist when, even when the sexual conduct was consensual, it can still be charged as rape. This occurs when the offense is committed against a person under 16 years of age. It is referred to as statutory rape (OCGA § 16-6-3).

If you are facing accusations in Georgia, contact our Atlanta rape attorneys as soon as possible. We will thoroughly examine and analyze the evidence against you as well as that in your favor to build a solid defense for you.

What Is the Sentence for Rape in Georgia?

The conviction penalties for rape are severe and depend on the nature of the case.

Punishments for rape include:

• Death,
• Life imprisonment without parole,
• Life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after serving at least 30 years, or
• 25 years to life imprisonment, where the minimum term cannot be stayed or deferred

For statutory rape, conviction penalties include:

• 1 to 20 years of imprisonment
• 10 to 20 years of imprisonment if the alleged offender was 21 years of age or older

However, an exception to the statutory rape penalties exists. If the alleged offender was 18 years of age or younger and not more than 4 years older than a victim between 14 and 15 years of age, the crime is a misdemeanor.

When charged as a misdemeanor, statutory rape is penalized by:

• Up to 12 months of incarceration and/or
• Up to $1,000 in fines

Serious penalties can befall you whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony rape. You can seek to avoid or minimize the sanctions by aggressively fighting your charge. Our Atlanta rape lawyers are prepared to work toward obtaining the best possible result on your behalf.

What Is the Sex Offender Requirement for Rape in GA?

In Georgia, rape is considered a dangerous sexual offense (OCGA § 42-1-12). As such, a conviction results in a requirement to register as a sex offender. That means the defendant would have to periodically report to their local law enforcement agency for the rest of their life.

The individual must provide personal information such as their name, address, place of employment, and vehicle make and model. Some of the information is entered into a publicly accessible sex offender registry, making it difficult for the individual to re-enter society.

If a sex offender provides false information or fails to report to their local law enforcement agency, they face serious consequences. A violation is a felony, punishable by 1 to 30 years of imprisonment.

What Is Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Rape?

The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time the state has to commence prosecution for a criminal matter. Generally, a prosecutor has 15 years to pursue a forcible rape case. However, if a suspect was identified through DNA evidence or the victim was under 16 years of age, prosecution can begin at any time.

Defend Against Rape Accusations

At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, we understand the serious nature of rape charges and the impact they can have on your life. Our team of experienced Atlanta rape lawyers is dedicated to fighting for justice and protecting your rights throughout the legal process.

When you choose us to represent you, you can expect:

• Compassionate and confidential legal counsel
• Thorough investigation of the facts and evidence
• Strategic defense strategies tailored to your case
• Aggressive representation in and out of the courtroom
• Clear and open communication, keeping you informed every step of the way

We believe that everyone deserves a fair and thorough defense, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected. Our successful case results speak to our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

If you or a loved one is facing rape charges, don't wait. At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, we are here to stand up for you in and out of court. No matter how complex your case is, we will examine every legal avenue to seek an optimal result for you.

Our Atlanta rape attorneys represent clients throughout Georgia and are ready to deliver the counsel you need. Call us at (678) 582-2272 or contact us online today.