If there was one thing we could ensure everyone charged with a crime knew, it would be that no situation is hopeless. No matter what you’re facing, no matter how the odds may seem to be stacked against you, there may be an opportunity you can’t see. In fact, that’s our job as your criminal defense attorney: To assess your case and find the best outcome for you.
Are you facing charges of sexual battery or sexual misconduct?
If you’re looking at charges of sexual battery and / or sexual misconduct, then you need help from an experienced attorney. Sexual misconduct can apply to a wide range of acts that are intended for sexual gratification or arousal and are against the will of the alleged victim. Examples include:
- Indecent exposure
- Sexual battery or assault
- Lewd acts
Of course, any crime is more serious when committed against a minor and that applies to sexual battery.
The potential penalties for a conviction of sexual battery
There are two main categories of sexual battery charges: Misdemeanor and felony. A misdemeanor charge would be something like touching another person without permission. It would be a felony if the victim was restrained or otherwise incapacitated when the touching took place. The penalty for a conviction will vary based on how it was charged.
For a conviction of misdemeanor sexual battery, the maximum penalty is a year in jail and a fine. A felony conviction of sexual battery comes with as many as four years in prison along with fines of as much as $10,000. Either way, whether convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor, the alleged perpetrator would have to comply with the sex offender registration requirements.
In many cases, the prosecutor will tack on other charges too. For example, if there was another crime committed in the course of the battery, such as threats, then there may be a charge for assault and battery as well.
There are legal defense options
We know that these penalties are frightening. The good news is that there are defense options. For example, we can work to prove that the contact or act did happen but that it was consensual. We may work to prove that the contact or act never happened. In other cases, we may show that the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to prove any type of sexual misconduct or battery.
In the event that there is a wealth of evidence against you, then the best way forward may be to find the best possible plea deal. This may include having a felony reduced to a misdemeanor, or working to have additional charges dropped. The bottom line is that we won’t know the right way to handle your case until you call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for your free legal consultation. We are here to listen to you, to offer advice, and to fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are respected.
