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DOWNIE LAW, LLC · VIDALIA & SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
Careful investigation. Clear communication. A defense built around the facts and the law.
Contact the office for criminal consultation availability and fees.
An allegation involving a child can place extraordinary pressure on an accused person and the entire family. Attorney Jack M. Downie Sr. represents people facing child molestation and aggravated child molestation allegations in Southeast Georgia, with attention to the evidence and each stage of the proceeding.
O.C.G.A. § 16-6-4 addresses child molestation and aggravated child molestation. The statute covers specified conduct involving a child under 16 and a required sexual intent. Certain electronic-image transmissions are also covered. Aggravated allegations involve additional statutory circumstances. The charging document must be reviewed to determine what the State alleges and must prove.
The child’s age, the accused person’s age, the alleged dates, the form of conduct, and the wording of each count can matter. These cases should not be evaluated through assumptions about a single statement or piece of evidence.
Review recordings, questions, prior disclosures, and the context in which accounts developed.
Compare the allegations with available communications, schedules, locations, and other relevant records.
Evaluate medical or digital evidence, expert issues, proposed testimony, and legal challenges.
A defense investigation may examine consistency, opportunity, identity, intent, and whether evidence is admissible. The State bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A lack of physical evidence does not by itself require dismissal, and a disputed allegation is not automatically false.
Speak with counsel before an investigative interview. Preserve devices and communications. Do not independently question the child about the allegation, pressure anyone to change an account, or ask another person to make prohibited contact. Witness contact and evidence collection should be planned through lawful, appropriate channels.
Bond conditions, protective orders, and related family or juvenile proceedings may affect contact with children or access to a home. Follow each order unless the court changes it. A private agreement does not necessarily change court-imposed restrictions.
Child molestation cases can involve substantial prison exposure and consequences affecting registration, supervision, employment, housing, and family relationships. The exact rules depend on the charge and circumstances. Counsel should assess those issues before a plea decision and while preparing for trial.
Bring the charging papers, bond order, hearing notices, and a concise timeline to your consultation. Identify relevant records and potential witnesses without sending sensitive material through the public inquiry form.
Related services: sex crimes and sexual assault defense and rape defense.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Your circumstances deserve individual attention. These answers are a starting point for a conversation with counsel.
No. An allegation must be tested through the legal process. The prosecution has the burden of proof, and the defense must assess the evidence and applicable law.
Do not assume a private agreement ends an investigation or prosecution. Court orders and charging decisions are separate matters. Discuss any communication or proposed agreement with counsel.
Start with the county, investigating agency or court, custody status, and any upcoming deadline. The office can explain how to provide sensitive records after the appropriate initial review.
LOCAL COUNSEL. REGIONAL REACH.
Attorney Jack M. Downie Sr. serves clients from one office at 510 Maple Dr., Vidalia, Georgia. Explore our Southeast Georgia service area or learn about Jack.
Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Friday–Sunday.
Tell us the type of matter, county, and any upcoming deadline. Please keep confidential details out of an initial online inquiry.
General information only, not legal advice or a guarantee of results. An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship. Only personal-injury consultations are free.
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