Fort Lauderdale Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

Florida Sexual Assault & Battery Laws

Sexual battery, also known as rape or sexual assault, is one of the most serious sex crimes in Florida and every state in the country. The prosecutors will aggressively pursue the maximum charges and penalties. Additionally, the public and the media will already consider people facing such allegations guilty of the crime without being formally arrested or stepping foot in court. Due to the gravity of such accusations, it is imperative to hire an aggressive criminal defense attorney to defend your rights, reputation, and freedom.

If you or a loved one has been accused of sexual battery in Florida, our Fort Lauderdale sexual assault defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC provides effective and responsive legal representation. With more than 10,000 criminal cases handled throughout the state, our legal team is committed to getting your entire case dismissed or your charges or penalties substantially reduced to avoid prison time or having to register as a sex offender.

For a confidential consultation, reach out to us today at (954) 280-8811.

Defining Sexual Battery in Florida Law

Sexual battery is defined as non-consensual vaginal, anal, or oral contact with someone using their sexual organ or an object. This crime also occurs when a person is mentally unable to provide consent to sexual intercourse (e.g. alcohol or drug intoxication or being unconscious).

If certain aggravating factors exist, a person may be subject to more severe criminal charges. Common examples of aggravating factors include coercion through violence or threats, the alleged victim is helpless, or the alleged offender is a police or correctional officer.

Penalties for Sexual Battery in Fort Lauderdale

Sexual battery is a second-degree felony, which can lead to a maximum prison term of 15 years and a fine not exceeding $10,000. Sexual battery committed by a person over 18 years of age against a minor under 12 is a capital felony, which is punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Aggravated sexual battery committed against someone who is 18 years of age or older is a first-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to 30 years and a maximum fine of $10,000. Aggravated battery committed against a minor who is between 12 and 18 years old – as well as sexual battery by a person under 18 against a minor under 12, and sexual battery with a deadly weapon – is a life felony, which can result in lifetime imprisonment.

In addition, a conviction is also punishable by registration as a sex offender.