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Federal Sexual Abuse
The criminal justice system in the United States is a complex beast. The majority of those complexities arise from the multitude of different jurisdictions that have the power to prosecute criminal offenses. United States prosecutors enforce the laws of the Federal government. State prosecutors of all 50 states enforce the varied laws of their individual jurisdictions. And even county and municipal attorneys can prosecute violations of local ordinances. Different crimes, different elements, and different penalties apply within each of these unique jurisdictions. This system serves to help complicate our criminal justice system. This system can be overwhelming, and a dedicated Sarasota criminal defense lawyer can help guide you through the system to achieve the best possible result for your case.
Within each of these unique jurisdictions, sometimes similar criminal offenses can potentially be prosecuted by multiple entities. One of those categories of crimes is sex offenses. Both State and Federal prosecutors have a particular disdain for defendants accused of sex crimes. Whether facing local or national charges, sex offenses often carry serious criminal penalties including lengthy jail sentences, probationary terms, and lifetime sex offender registration.
The difference between facing Federal and State charges can be significant. Defense attorneys view both court systems in dramatically different lights. State charges are typically less serious, and involve cases where law enforcement and prosecutors have often done little investigation into the actual case. Judges grant more leeway to prepare for trial, and deals are easier to come by. Federal prosecutions on the other hand, are afforded far more resources and less rights for defendants. This results in a stricter but more controlled court system that requires a different set of strategies. If you are facing Federal criminal charges, a skilled Sarasota criminal lawyer with experience in State and Federal court can help guide you toward the most positive resolution for your case.
Elements of Federal Aggravated Sexual AbuseOne of the unique sex offenses charged only under Federal law is Aggravated Sexual Abuse. The statute criminalizing this offense is United States Code chapter 18 section 2241. Under the law, a person is guilty of aggravated sexual abuse if he or she renders another person unconscious and then engages in a sexual act with that person. The defendant also commits the offense if he or she uses force or secrecy to administer a drug to another person that renders them unable to control conduct in order to engage in a sexual act with that person.
It is also considered aggravated sexual abuse for a person to cross a state border with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 12 years, or to cross state lines with the intent to commit an aggravated sexual battery with a person between 12 and 16. The penalties for aggravated sexual battery, regardless of the charged subsection, can be extremely serious. The maximum penalty is life in prison, and the Federal sentencing guidelines will often mandate significant prison sentences for those charged under this chapter. If you or a loved on is facing Federal charges for aggravated sexual abuse, you should contact an experienced Sarasota criminal defense lawyer immediately.
Speak to Our Lawyers TodayThe attorneys at Hanlon Law pride themselves on the exceptional results we are able to achieve for our clients. We treat each and every case that comes through our doors with the attention and respect that it deserves. And we use our experience and resources to develop the best defense strategies for each individual case. If you have been charged with any State or Federal sex offenses, you should not leave your fate up to chance. Instead, you should retain the lawyers with the experience and dedication necessary to achieve the results that you want. Call us today for a consultation at 941.462.1789.
