Sexual Exploitation Attorney in Gwinnett County

Facing Sexual Exploitation Charges in Gwinnett County? We Can Help

If you have been accused of or are under investigation for sexual exploitation in Gwinnett County, your situation could feel overwhelming. Criminal charges threaten your freedom, reputation, family relationships, and career. You may be unsure what to do next while local authorities and the courts move quickly on these allegations.

At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we understand the intensity of this challenge. Our goal is to provide guidance, confidentiality, and effective defense from the moment you reach out. With over 50 years of combined experience, including service as former prosecutors in Georgia, our team brings comprehensive knowledge of the legal system and a deep understanding of the Gwinnett County justice process.

No matter how complex your circumstances are, we strive to protect your rights, preserve your reputation, and guide you toward the best possible outcome. The earlier you contact our criminal defense attorneys in Gwinnett County, the more options we can pursue with you.

Facing sexual exploitation charges? You need immediate action. Call a dedicated sexual exploitation attorney in Gwinnett County now for a free consultation. Our firm is available 24/7. Call us at (678) 726-5400 or reach our online now.

Understanding Sexual Exploitation Laws in Georgia

Georgia law, specifically OCGA § 16-12-100, broadly defines and criminalizes various acts related to the sexual exploitation of children (minors under the age of 18). Unlike many other felonies, these charges often rely heavily on digital evidence, making the defense highly technical.

The Scope of the Offense (OCGA § 16-12-100)

The statute is vast and prohibits numerous actions related to the exploitation of a minor, often focused on visual media ("child pornography") or using a minor for performance. The most common charges include:

• Possession or Control: Knowingly possessing or controlling any material that depicts a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This is the most frequently prosecuted offense, as it covers images or videos found on a computer, phone, or other device.
• Creation or Production: Knowingly employing, persuading, or enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual medium.
• Distribution or Promotion: Knowingly selling, distributing, or promoting any visual medium depicting a minor engaged in such conduct (often triggered by electronic transmission).

Our firm immediately investigates the specific subsection of OCGA § 16-12-100 under which you are charged, as the penalties and required elements for conviction vary. Navigating the nuances of this statute requires a dedicated Gwinnett County sexual exploitation lawyer.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Sexual Exploitation Conviction in Gwinnett County

A conviction for sexual exploitation in Georgia is a felony that carries devastating, life-long consequences. We provide 24/7 availability to combat the immediate threat of these penalties.

Direct Penalties

• Mandatory Prison Sentence: A felony conviction is punishable by a term of imprisonment between five and twenty years and a massive fine of up to $100,000.
• No First Offender Treatment: Individuals convicted of a sexual offense are generally prohibited from being sentenced as a First Offender (which would have allowed for record restriction/clearing). This ensures a permanent criminal record.
• Strict Probation/Parole: The sentence will likely include a substantial probated sentence with strict supervision, including curfews, technology restrictions, and mandatory psychological counseling.

Collateral Consequences

• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction automatically requires registration as a sexual offender under OCGA § 42-1-12. This is a lifelong requirement that imposes severe residential, employment, and reporting restrictions designed to minimize contact with minors.
• Reputation and Employment Loss: The public disclosure of registration leads to immediate social stigma, and the residential restrictions (e.g., cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, church, or childcare facility) make finding housing and employment extremely difficult, particularly in populous areas like Gwinnett County.
• Federal Impact: The conviction can result in the loss of federal benefits, the right to possess firearms, and a permanent immigration bar for non-citizens.

What to Do If You’re Accused or Under Investigation

Prompt action protects your rights and options. If you are arrested, questioned, or learn you are under investigation for sexual exploitation in Gwinnett County, reach out to a defense attorney immediately. Delays can limit the strategies available to you.

For anyone facing investigation or charges, here are the first actions you should take:

• Do not discuss your case with police or investigators before you have an attorney
• Keep any documents, emails, or digital records that might relate to your case
• Contact our attorneys as soon as possible for confidential advice and support

Our team is available around the clock to respond. We offer both virtual and in-person consults as needed. You’ll receive clear instructions on what to do— and what to avoid— from your very first interaction with us. Acting quickly gives us more opportunity to protect you.

How We Defend You Against Sexual Exploitation Accusations

The right defense strategy must account for the specifics of your case and the procedures in Gwinnett County. We believe every detail matters and every client deserves a focused approach. Our former prosecutors know how the other side builds cases. We use that insight to look for investigative errors, insufficient evidence, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.

When you hire us, we take several important steps for your defense:

• Review all evidence, including digital data and police reports
• Identify and interview potential witnesses
• Challenge possible unlawful searches or investigative mistakes
• Negotiate proactively with the District Attorney’s Office in Gwinnett County
• Prepare for trial and remain ready to present your case to a jury if negotiations do not resolve the case

We are familiar with the judges and prosecutors at the Gwinnett County Justice & Administration Center, which lets us shape strong local strategies that benefit you. Discretion is always a top concern in these cases. We take deliberate steps to limit the impact on your life and your public reputation throughout any legal proceedings.

Why Choose Our Team for Your Defense

Your choice of attorney can shape your outcome. Our attorneys at Crawford and Boyle, LLC include former prosecutors, which better positions us to anticipate and counter the strategies used against you. We have handled thousands of criminal defense cases for clients in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas, including sex crime allegations that require unique sensitivity and skill.

Our credentials go beyond numbers. Team members have earned distinctions such as Superb Avvo Ratings and inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers' Top 40 Under 40. These recognitions reflect our commitment to legal excellence and client service. We pride ourselves on our customized strategies for each case and on our familiarity with Gwinnett County Superior Court. This allows us to shape our advocacy to your unique situation and needs.

From your first call, you will speak with an attorney who will listen and plan a defense in partnership with you. Whether it is negotiating with a prosecutor or vigorously defending your interests in court, we work to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact Our Gwinnett County Sexual Exploitation Lawyers

When sexual exploitation accusations threaten your life and future, getting skilled legal help quickly is essential. At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we provide confidential, local representation and proven experience handling sensitive cases in Gwinnett County. With free consultations and immediate availability, you can discuss your options with a trusted attorney before taking any further steps.

We serve individuals across Gwinnett County, offering both virtual and physical meetings for your convenience. Our attorneys are ready to explain your rights, answer your questions, and get to work on your defense now.

Call us at (678) 726-5400 or reach out online to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a sexual exploitation attorney in Gwinnett County.