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Rape Defense in Marietta

Defining Rape under Georgia Law

Georgia state law considers forced sex to be the most serious felony offenses a person can commit. Defined as "carnal knowledge of a female forcibly against her will; or a female who is less than 10 years of age," rape is punishable under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1 by death, life imprisonment without parole, life imprisonment, or a split sentence of 25 to life followed by lifetime probation. The term "carnal knowledge" means penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ.

Even if you are only facing allegations of rape, don't take them lightly. Such accusations could quickly escalate into a criminal charge and a possible felony conviction. You will not only face high fines and probable time in prison, but you will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Few people will place trust in you, meaning that potential employers will be far less likely to hire you after performing a background search.

You will not be able to live anywhere near a school, daycare, playground, or other area where children regularly gather, and you will have to renew your registration information every single year. Make sure that you avoid such penalties and restrictions by hiring an aggressive defense attorney to fight your charges.

Defending Rape Charges

In order for charges of rape to be successfully prosecuted, the plaintiff and prosecutor must have viable evidence to prove that the woman was forced unwillingly to engage in intercourse, either through physical force, threats of force, or the use of an intoxicant. Without such evidence, the defendant has a strong case. If you are facing charges of rape, hire a Marietta criminal defense lawyer from The Merchant Law Firm.

We can thoroughly investigate your charges to build and present the strongest possible argument in your defense! Our experienced and aggressive representation can result in a dismissal of your case or a reduction of your charges to something far less serious than rape.

Hire a Marietta criminal defense attorney now!

Do not take chances when it comes to defense for sex crime charges or any other criminal defense cases in Marietta. Contact The Merchant Law Firm right away for experienced defense from a determined criminal lawyer.

Our firm has been in practice for nearly two decades and can provide the knowledgeable and capable representation that you need when facing serious criminal charges. We have a perfect 10.0 Superb rating with Avvo and we are prepared to give our full energy to the representation of your case. Our firm was also named in Georgia Trend's 2010 Legal Elite.

Call now at (404) 828-0969 to get started. We will fight for you!

Why You Should Entrust Our Firm:

  • Respected Legal Commentator

    Ashleigh Merchant is frequently featured on local and national news media, where she is asked to share her commentary on major cases.

  • Super Lawyers Rising Star, Ashleigh Merchant

    Included in the 2014 Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ edition. This list is compiled after thorough peer reviews and nominations.

  • Repeat Rising Star Winner, John B. Merchant

    Named among the Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ for 2009 through 2011. The list includes 2.5% of attorneys in the state.

  • Earned "Superb" Ratings on Avvo - 10.0

    Both our attorneys have earned the prestigious 10.0 Superb score on Avvo, which is the highest rating an attorney can receive.

Former Client Testimonials

  • “Ashleigh is a top appeal attorney...”

    Happy Client

  • “Sending a thank you to Ashleigh...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ms. Merchant always made me feel like my case was a priority for her...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh was instrumental in helping me settle and dismiss my charges...”

    Happy Client

  • “Jennifer and Ashleigh were always there to listen to my concerns and genuinely cared about my son and his case...”

    Happy Client

  • “I will definitely be providing great reviews as well as referring anyone who may ever need help in this area of problems...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh is easy to talk to and compassionate, she treats you like a personal friend...”

    Happy Client

  • “Merchant Law Firm are so easy to talk to and they always answer my questions...”

    Happy Client

  • “She successfully helped me avoid jail and a DUI charge...”

    Happy Client

  • “She was an aggressive advocate for my case...”

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  • “Ms. Merchant was fierce when she argued my case...”

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