Have You Been Charged with Bestiality in Atlanta?
While bestiality charges are relatively rare in Georgia, people do get arrested for this offense occasionally. The seriousness of this crime, in legal terms, varies widely depending on the state you live in. A handful of states have no laws against bestiality, while several others only recently enacted such laws. The majority of states either consider bestiality a misdemeanor or allow it to be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. However, Georgia has a particularly harsh law against bestiality, treating this offense as a felony. As a conviction for bestiality in Georgia carries serious consequences, anyone accused of sexual contact with an animal should immediately retain a lawyer. Kimberley Berry is an Atlanta attorney with experience in sex-related crimes who can advocate for you throughout the legal process. She will do everything in her power to protect you from overzealous prosecutors, help you navigate intricacies of the legal process, and restore your good name.
Georgia Bestiality Laws
According to Georgia law, a person commits the crime of bestiality when he or she “performs or submits to any sexual act with an animal involving the sex organs of the one and the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina of the other.” In the eyes of the law, an animal cannot consent to sexual activity with a human.
Punishments for Bestiality in Georgia
A conviction for bestiality carries with it a sentence of one to five years in prison. This crime is considered to be a felony in Georgia.
Why Do I Need a Bestiality Defense Lawyer?
A conviction for bestiality not only jeopardizes your freedom, but it can also make you a pariah in your community. Fortunately, being arrested for a crime does not automatically lead to a conviction. You have a right to defend yourself in court, where the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Kimberley understands that people are often falsely accused of crimes and will listen to your side of the story with an open mind and no judgment. She will work with you to develop your best legal strategy and then aggressively defend your rights throughout the legal process. Contact the Berry Law Group today to begin planning your defense.