Atlanta Sex Crime Attorney

Ferocious Defense of Your Rights & Future

Even the simplest sex crime conviction can saddle you with a permanent criminal record and lead to mandatory sex offender registration. More serious offenses can result in years—or even a lifetime—of incarceration, with the possibility of the most severe penalties under Georgia law.

If you have been accused of a sex crime in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, it is essential to understand how Georgia law and the local court system could impact the resolution of your case. Georgia’s penalties for sex crime convictions are some of the toughest in the nation, and both state and local prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges. Beyond court-imposed sanctions, a conviction can severely restrict your ability to work, secure housing, or maintain relationships with family and community. At the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, our team draws on deep experience with the Atlanta legal landscape—including proven results in Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb County courts—to guide clients through every phase, from arrest to trial and post-conviction matters.

You should not hesitate to consult with a sex crime attorney in Atlanta at the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally if you have been charged with any type of sex crime. A thoroughly prepared, aggressive defense is necessary to stand up to and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Arrested for a sex crime? Schedule a free case evaluation with our sex crime lawyer in Atlanta today by calling 678-918-4421 to begin building your defense.

Understanding the Legal Process for Sex Crime Charges in Atlanta

Navigating the criminal justice system when facing sex crime charges in Atlanta can be complex and intimidating. The process usually starts with an arrest by Atlanta police or another local agency, followed by an initial court appearance or bond hearing in a county magistrate or superior court. Cases may be formally charged through indictment or accusation by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office or another prosecutorial body. Cases then move through critical stages—preliminary hearings, evidentiary motions, plea negotiations, and, where warranted, trial proceedings before a judge or jury. Each stage presents specific legal challenges and procedural risks, which can differ between Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb Counties. Our knowledge of Atlanta’s evolving court protocols enables us to tailor legal strategies and anticipate prosecutorial tactics, giving clients the strongest defense possible.

As a trusted sex crime attorney in Atlanta, the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally keeps clients informed and engaged throughout every stage of the legal process. Leveraging Mr. McNally’s formative years as an Assistant District Attorney, we know how cases are prosecuted and can find weaknesses in the government’s case that other attorneys may overlook. Our firm emphasizes direct involvement—Mr. McNally personally handles every case, so nothing is ever handed off to less-experienced associates. From your first consultation to trial or disposition, we provide responsive, strategic counsel and act as your advocates when appearing at the Atlanta Justice Center Tower, the DeKalb County courthouse, or any regional court. Early intervention and legal guidance are key to protecting your rights and securing the best possible resolution.

Dedicated Advocacy for the Criminally Charged

When you are charged with a sex crime and confronted with serious penalties, you need to work with a sex crime lawyer in Atlanta who is dedicated to your defense. At the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, you can be assured that Mr. McNally will devote the necessary time, attention, and resources to every case he takes.

Choosing the right sex crime attorney in Atlanta is critical for anyone facing criminal allegations. Our firm applies nearly twenty years of legal experience—and our founder’s former prosecutorial insight—to each client’s case. This background allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies, prepare comprehensive defenses, and protect your interests both inside and outside the courtroom. By maintaining direct involvement and transparent communication, Mr. McNally ensures that every client receives thoughtful, personalized guidance at each step, making us a trusted advocate through even the most challenging legal battles.

Some of the common types of sex crimes the firm handles include:

The legal professionals at the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally are dedicated to aggressively defending the rights and freedom of each client. Being accused of a sex crime does not mean you are guilty, but an ineffective defense can have lasting and damaging consequences in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for Sexual Battery?

In Georgia, the length of jail time you could face after a sexual battery conviction will depend on the facts of your case and how the offense is charged under Georgia law.

Comprehending the possible sentencing for sexual battery is essential if you are charged in Atlanta or the greater metro area. Georgia Code O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22.1 outlines a broad definition of sexual battery, and the penalties can be more or less severe based on circumstances such as the alleged victim’s age, potential use of force, past convictions, or whether the offense is considered aggravated. Atlanta-area judges weigh both statutory sentencing guidelines and case-specific factors when deciding penalties. A locally experienced sex crime attorney in Atlanta can clarify how the law applies to your situation and offer insight on reducing penalties. Our frequent experience before Fulton County courts and deep understanding of Atlanta judicial practices allow us to advocate for the best possible results under local Georgia sentencing guidelines. We encourage anyone charged with sexual battery to seek representation as soon as possible for a detailed risk assessment.

Possible penalties for a first-offense misdemeanor sexual battery include:

• Up to a $5,000 fine
• Up to 12 months in jail

Possible penalties for aggravated sexual battery include:

• 25 years to life imprisonment

If you are convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery for a second or subsequent time, the sentence can increase to one to five years in prison under Georgia law.

Defense Strategies for Sex Crime Charges in Atlanta

Addressing sex crime allegations demands tailored defense strategies based on your individual circumstances and Georgia’s legal standards. At Law Office of Matthew T. McNally, we build every case on thorough investigation, comprehensive legal analysis, and in-depth examination of both factual and procedural elements. Our approach often includes reviewing and challenging the prosecution’s physical and digital evidence, evaluating the credibility of witnesses, consulting with forensic professionals in Atlanta, and filing targeted motions to suppress evidence that was obtained illegally. Many accusations in Atlanta arise out of complex social and digital interactions, and false reports, mistaken identity, or mishandling by law enforcement may play a role. We leave no avenue unexplored when defending our clients.

Our team is dedicated to open, consistent communication and transparency at each stage of your defense. We keep you fully informed of all your legal options, from plea bargaining and pretrial diversion to jury trial, and ensure you understand the risks and advantages of each choice. Mr. McNally’s experience as a former prosecutor allows us to foresee the tactics that local district attorneys will use in Atlanta and surrounding counties and to counter those approaches with proven legal arguments. Our deep relationships with Atlanta-area judges, familiarity with court procedures, and our client-centered approach help set our firm apart. This meticulous, locally informed strategy helps protect your rights and pursue the best attainable outcome in every case.