Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault Not Guilty in Cobb County
According to an article, an uncommon method was used by a judge in Cobb County as he by-passed the jury and issued a directed verdict. Based on the article, a 36-year-old teacher who confessed to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student was determined to be not guilty of sexual assault. In supporting his decision based on witness testimony and other evidence, the judge declared that the relationship was “consensual.”
If the man in this case had been convicted of sexual assault, he would have faced 10 to 30 years in prison. The article reminds readers that the Georgia Supreme Court ruled in June that, in the event that a student is a willing participant, and, is 16 or older, the fact that the student consented can be a strong defense for a teacher facing a charge for sexual assault. The judge who issued the not guilty ruling stated that he suspects the Georgia Legislature to amend this law.
Being accused of a sex crime can have serious consequences on a person’s life, even before a case goes to trial, and perhaps even after a not guilty verdict is declared. Social scorn and loss of employment are some repercussions of a sexual assault charge, which can be especially harsh when minors are involved.
If you have been arrested for sexual assault or any other kind of sex crime in the state of Georgia, it is of the utmost importance to be fully aware of your legal rights and options. Sexual assault cases are often very complex and require complete knowledge of a wide array of factors that may influence a case’s outcome.
Experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys have been defending the rights of those accused of a broad range of offenses in Georgia for many years. They know what it takes to help our clients obtain a successful outcome in their case. If you have been accused of an offense, please contact skilled lawyers.