Sexual Battery

There are generally two categories of criminal offenses that garner the most outrage and the most serious penalties. The first, and most serious of those categories encompasses violent offenses. Aggravated battery, murder, and assault all fall under the violent category. People convicted of serious violent offenses can expect to face harsh fines, lengthy prison sentences, and restrictive probation. The second category encompasses sexually motivated offenses. Sexual battery, possession or distribution of child pornography, and lewd and lascivious offenses give rise to similarly serious penalties, and a life time of sex offender registration. Anyone facing charges for either a violent offense or a sex crime should not hesitate to consult with a skilled Sarasota criminal lawyer.

An even worse outcome potentially awaits those who are charged with criminal offenses that fall under both the violent and sexual crime categories. When prosecutors are determining how to handle a case, when judges are evaluating a sentencing, and when jurors are deciding on a verdict, it is impossible to stop them from putting themselves in the shoes of the victims. Due to this reality, sexually violent offenses must be treated with the utmost seriousness in order to achieve the best possible result. And the work must be put in on your case to ensure that the truth comes to light.

Sexual battery is punishable in Florida under Florida Statute section 794.011. Under the terms of the law, a person is guilty of sexual battery if, without consent, he or she penetrates the sexual organs, anus, or mouth of another person with their own sexual organs or with any other object. On its own, with no enhancements at all, sexual battery is among the most serious criminal charges that a person can face in this State. At a minimum, a person convicted of sexual battery will be facing penalties for a second degree felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison. And the penalties only increase thanks to enhancements included within the statute. The serious penalties associated with sexual battery mean that you should not try to go it alone. Instead, consult with a serious Sarasota criminal defense lawyer to defend you.

One of the most serious enhancements is the charge of Sexual battery with force or with use of a deadly weapon. If, during the commission of a sexual battery, the offender uses or threatens to use force likely to cause serious personal injury or uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon, then that person is guilty of sexual battery by force. The penalties associated with the offense vary based on the ages of the defendant and of the victim. A person convicted of sexual battery with force against a victim under the age of 12 commits a life felony. As the name implies, a life penalty is punishable by up to life imprisonment. An adult who commits the offense of Sexual battery by force against another adult, commits a first degree felony, punishable by a maximum of thirty years in prison. Clearly, the stakes are high in prosecutions for sexual battery with force. A clear and effective defense is necessary to achieve the best results, so if you are facing these charges, you need to speak to a dedicated Sarasota criminal lawyer right away.

The attorneys at Hanlon Law have the skills and experience necessary to craft a defense effective for your case. We pride ourselves on the excellent results we are able to achieve for our clients, and look forward to doing the same for you. If you or a loved one are in need of representation on a serious or complex criminal matter, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 941.462.1789.