Sexual Assault Defense in Paulding County

Defense for Georgia Sex Offense Investigations & Charges

Accusations described as sexual assault may lead to several charges under Georgia law, each with distinct elements and penalties. At Henrickson & Sereebutra, we defend people facing sex-related investigations and criminal charges, including:

• Sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery
• Rape
• Child molestation
• Child pornography
• Prostitution
• Solicitation
• Indecent exposure

Founded in 2004, our firm handles sex crimes, including sexual assault and rape allegations prosecuted as violent crimes. We represent clients in historic downtown Dallas, Georgia, near the Paulding County Courthouse, and throughout Paulding County.

Call (770) 212-3313 to discuss an accusation, arrest, or investigation with our sexual assault defense attorneys.

Charges That May Be Described As Sexual Assault

Georgia doesn’t have a single general-public criminal offense titled sexual assault. The specific charge depends on the alleged conduct, whether consent is disputed, the ages of the people involved, and whether one person held authority over the other.

Sexual Battery

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22.1, sexual battery is intentional physical contact with another person’s intimate parts without that person’s consent. The prosecution must prove that the contact was intentional and occurred without consent. Communications, witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged contact may therefore become central to the case.

Aggravated Sexual Battery

O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22.2 applies when a person is accused of intentionally penetrating another person’s sexual organ or anus with a foreign object without consent. The allegation of penetration distinguishes this felony from sexual battery. It also exposes the accused to substantially greater potential penalties.

Improper Sexual Contact by an Employee, Agent, or Foster Parent

O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5.1 applies when an employee, agent, or foster parent with supervisory or disciplinary authority is accused of improper sexual contact with someone under that authority. Covered relationships may arise in certain custody, school, and psychotherapy settings. The law previously used terminology involving sexual assault against persons in custody, so older records or informal descriptions may still use that language.

Consent isn’t a defense to allegations involving authority relationships covered by this statute. A defense assessment must instead examine whether the alleged relationship and conduct satisfy every statutory element.

Potential Penalties & Registration Consequences

The potential sentence depends on the charge, the alleged victim’s age, and any prior convictions. A first sexual battery offense involving an adult is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. The offense becomes a felony punishable by one to five years when the alleged victim is under 16 or the case involves a second or subsequent conviction.

The aggravated offense carries life imprisonment or a split sentence of at least 25 years in prison followed by probation for life. A conviction also requires sex offender registration.

Improper sexual contact by an employee, agent, or foster parent generally carries one to 25 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000. When the alleged victim is under 16, the potential prison term is 10 to 30 years.

Georgia Registration Requirements

Georgia requires registration for qualifying convictions involving a minor victim or a dangerous sexual offense. Registration must generally occur in person with the county sheriff within 72 hours after release from prison, placement on parole or probation, or entry into Georgia. Certain aggravated offenses and a second or subsequent sexual battery conviction can trigger dangerous sexual offender or registry classification.

Registration carries continuing reporting obligations. Failing to register, providing false information, or otherwise violating Georgia’s registration requirements is a separate felony punishable by one to 30 years of imprisonment.

The Paulding County Felony Court Process

Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony criminal cases in Georgia, including felony sex offenses. A Paulding County case may begin with arrest and booking, followed by a first appearance and preliminary hearing in Magistrate Court. The District Attorney’s office may then present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether to return an indictment.

After an indictment, the accused is arraigned in Superior Court and enters a plea. The path varies with the charge, custody status, evidence, and decisions made during the prosecution. We can arrange bail and help clients seek release while the case is pending.

Early Investigation & Evidence Review

Early representation allows defense preparation to begin while communications, witness information, and other evidence can still be identified and reviewed. Our prosecutorial experience gives us direct insight into the investigative methods Georgia law enforcement uses to build sex offense cases.

We examine the allegations, available evidence, witness accounts, and the prosecution’s ability to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Our first priority is presenting evidence that may support reduced or dismissed charges. If the case continues, we build the defense around the specific statute, contested facts, and procedural history rather than treating sexual assault as a generic accusation.

Discuss a Sexual Assault Accusation in Confidence

A free consultation allows you to explain what happened, identify the charge or investigation, and discuss possible next steps without an initial consultation fee. We provide guidance based on your circumstances and explain the court process and available defense options clearly.

If you’re seeking a sexual assault lawyer in Paulding County, you can contact us by phone or through our contact form. Speaking with us early gives our attorneys more time to assess the investigation, preserve relevant information, and prepare for upcoming proceedings.

Call (770) 212-3313 to request your free consultation with Henrickson & Sereebutra.