Jacksonville Sexual Battery Attorney
How Sexual Battery Is Defined Under Florida Statute § 794.011
Sexual battery – also referred to as rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse – is a very serious criminal offense in Florida. According to Florida Statute § 794.011, sexual battery is defined as “oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object” without a bona fide medical purpose.
If you are facing sexual battery charges, it's important to contact a qualified sexual battery lawyer as soon as possible. At First Coast Criminal Defense, we defend clients against sexual battery and assault charges in Jacksonville and all surrounding areas. We can help you navigate the legal process and build a strong defense to protect your rights and freedom.
Contact our firm today at (904) 474-3115or send us a message onlinefor a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
Types of Sexual Battery Charges in Florida
Capital Felony
Sexual Battery by a Perpetrator Over 18 on a Victim Under 12
- Description: Involves an adult committing sexual battery on a child under 12 years old.
- Penalties: Life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Life Felony
Sexual Battery on a Victim Under 12 by a Person Under 18
- Description: This involves a person under the age of 18 committing sexual battery on a victim who is under 12 years old.
- Penalties: This crime is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Sexual Battery with Certain Aggravating Circumstances
- Description: Certain circumstances can elevate the charge of sexual battery to a life felony. These aggravating factors may include:
- Use or threat of a deadly weapon.
- Causing serious bodily injury to the victim.
- Committing the offense during the commission of other serious felonies, such as kidnapping.
- Penalties: This can result in a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
First-Degree Felony
Sexual Battery Using Physical Force Likely to Cause Serious Injury
- Description: Involves committing sexual battery on a victim aged 12 or older using physical force or violence likely to cause serious personal injury.
- Penalties: Up to life imprisonment.
Sexual Battery by Multiple Perpetrators
- Description: Involves multiple individuals committing sexual battery on a single victim.
- Penalties: Up to life imprisonment.
Sexual Battery with Threats of Retaliation
- Description: Involves committing sexual battery and threatening the victim or another person with retaliation or future harm if the victim reports the incident or testifies.
- Penalties: Up to life imprisonment.
Sexual Battery by a Person in a Position of Authority
- Description: Involves an individual in a position of authority over a minor (such as a teacher, coach, or clergy member) committing sexual battery on a minor.
- Penalties: Up to life imprisonment.
Second-Degree Felony
Sexual Battery Using Force Not Likely to Cause Serious Injury
- Description: Involves committing sexual battery on a victim aged 12 or older without the use of a deadly weapon and without causing serious injury.
- Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison.
Sexual Battery on a Physically Helpless or Mentally Incapacitated Victim
- Description: Involves committing sexual battery on a person who is physically helpless to resist or is mentally incapacitated.
- Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison.
Sexual Battery vs. Sexual Assault
In the state of Florida, the terms “sexual battery” and “sexual assault” are often used interchangeably to refer to the same crime.
However, the term “sexual assault” can be used to more broadly describe a wide range of other sexual offenses, such as:
- Attempted rape
- Non-consensual touching
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Lewd or lascivious conduct
- Sexual harassment
- Indecent exposure
- Molestation
How to Fight Sexual Battery Charges
When you are facing sexual battery charges, it’s important to remember that you have the right to a competent legal defense. An experienced sexual assault lawyer in Jacksonville can help you understand your legal options and build a strong defense to fight the charges against you.
At First Coast Criminal Defense, we have experience defending clients against all types of sex crimes, including sexual assault and battery. We can help you understand the charges against you, and will take the time to explain your legal options. We will work diligently to protect your rights and freedom, and will fight to get your charges reduced or your case dismissed.
Sex Offender Registration
In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, a conviction for sexual battery can also result in costly fines and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
In Florida, an individual who is convicted of sexual battery must register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life. Being a registered sex offender can have a very negative impact on your life, and can affect your ability to find a job, secure housing, and establish relationships.
If you are required to register as a sex offender, you must provide your local sheriff’s office with your current address, and you must update your registration information every time you move. If you fail to register as a sex offender, you can be charged with a separate criminal offense.
Call 24/7 for a Free Consultation
If you are facing sexual battery charges, it’s important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. A skilled sexual battery lawyer in Jacksonville can help you understand your legal options and build a strong defense to fight the charges against you.
At First Coast Criminal Defense, we have experience defending clients against all types of sexual battery charges. We understand that being accused of sexual battery can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience, and that your reputation and future may be at stake.
We will be by your side at every stage of your case. You can count on us to provide you with the aggressive representation you need and the compassionate support you deserve.
Contact the Jacksonville sexual battery attorneys at First Coast Criminal Defense today to schedule a free consultation. We will review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal options. Our firm is proud to represent clients in Jacksonville, Clay County, Nassau County, and St. Johns County.
We are available to take your call 24/7. Give us a call today at (904) 474-3115or send us a message onlineto get started on your defense with a free consultation.
