Have You Been Charged with Incest in Atlanta?
While incest does not strike some as being as serious as other sex crimes, it is considered a grave offense by law enforcement and prosecutors in Georgia. A conviction for this offense can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration. Therefore, an incest charge must be taken very seriously and dealt with proactively. If you have been charged with incest, it is critical that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible, so you can have an advocate defending your rights from the very beginning. Kimberly Berry is an experienced Atlanta attorney who has handled many sex crimes cases. She has spent years dealing with prosecutors and has argued over one hundred cases in court. Call the Berry Law Group today so Kim can review your case and lay out your options for you.
Georgia Incest Laws
According to Georgia law, a person has committed the crime of incest (O.C.G.A. 16-6-22) when they engage in “sexual intercourse or sodomy” with someone that person “knows he or she is related to either by blood or by marriage” in one of the following ways:
1. Father and child or stepchild;
2. Mother and child or stepchild;
3. Siblings of the whole blood or of the half blood;
4. Grandparents and grandchild;
5. Aunt and niece or nephew; or
6. Uncle and niece or nephew.
Punishments for Incest in Georgia
A conviction for incest is considered a felony and carries a punishment of ten to thirty years in prison. However, if the incest was committed with a child under the age of fourteen years, the penalty will increase to twenty-five to fifty years imprisonment. In addition, a person convicted of incest is required to register as a sex offender.
Why Do I Need an Incest Defense Lawyer?
While a conviction for incest can carry serious consequences, being charged with this offense does not automatically lead to a conviction. The prosecution carries the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Many defenses are generally available for incest charges (i.e.- I didn't know we were related or sexual contact never occurred). To find out the best strategy for fighting your charges, you must consult with a lawyer. Kimberly can guide you through the legal process and explain the best paths forward for your case. Call the Berry Law Group today so she can begin reviewing your case and determining the best way to defend you.