In the 2011 Florida Statutes, the category of Sexual Battery is detailed under TITLE XLVI, Chapter 794. The laws contained under the sub-topic of sexual battery cover many sex crimes, including rape. It provides also for victim services, such as the establishment of the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund. Obtaining an experienced Musca Law sex crimes attorney for defense against charges is the best way to improve a suspect’s prospects for protecting their rights and freedom.
Sexual battery occurs frequently in Florida and can be devastating to victims. Victims include both women and men, children, adults and the elderly. Handicapped or disabled victims, incarcerated victims and victims of caretakers are especially vulnerable to sexual battery crime. For this reason, penalties for sexual battery carry a mandatory prison term and lifetime requirements for the offender to be included on a National Sex Offender Registry.
Penalty for Sexual Battery
According to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 9885 total forcible sex offenses in the year 2010. Roughly half, 5074, of the offenses were rape by force. The laws on sexual battery describe different types of sexual contact that is considered to be rape. Age assumptions, beliefs about a victim’s age and other factors may not be used as a defense against rape charges. These laws also address penalties, victim rights and use of drugs to treat offenders.
The penalty for any sexual crime in Florida is a tough prison sentence and continual reporting to the state as a sexual offender or sexual predator. All persons convicted as sex offenders must keep the state informed about their current residential address and they will encounter workplace restrictions forever.
Penalties are increased if:
- The victim is underage
- There are multiple perpetrators
- Force or threat is used
- There are other sex crime charges or prior convictions for sex crimes
- The victim dies, the penalty can be a life sentence or death
Defense Strategies
An experienced sex crimes attorney will take an aggressive stance aimed at obtaining a dismissal of charges. If a dismissal is not possible, the attorneys at Musca are prepared to take the case to trial for a jury verdict. Other options include a plea bargain that is satisfactory to the defendant. The sex crimes team at Musca Law has a winning track record defending clients against Florida sexual battery accusations. This is the strong defense team you need immediately if you are being questioned about a sex crime. Call Musca Law first, and do not admit to any sex crime.
A conviction for sexual battery will have a lifelong impact; call Musca Law attorneys now at (800) 687-2252. Musca Law offices are located throughout Florida and in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa; attorneys also represent clients nationwide. Use the online contact form for fast response.
