One of the most common questions levied to criminal defense attorneys is “how can you defend someone charged with such a terrible crime?” It is easy to see how a lay person views a person facing criminal charges with contempt. Criminal defense lawyers, however, live and breath within a criminal justice system that unfortunately is not all that just. We know that victims make up stories and exaggerate the facts in order to gain leverage against their adversaries. We know that cops lie just as often, and often do a poor job investigating cases, resulting in inappropriate charges and needless arrests. We know that prosecutors bring unfounded charges to gain leverage against people and force them into unfair plea deals. And we know that judges are all too often selected based on political connections and campaign ability instead of based on their judiciousness and compassion. We know that a skilled Clearwater criminal defense lawyer is often the only thing between an innocent person and a jail cell.
The passion that we have for criminal defense allows us to zealously represent our clients regardless of the seriousness or the depravity of their alleged crimes. People charged with offenses like sexual battery, especially when those people did not actually commit the crime, are often extremely nervous and embarassed about the charges they now face. Many times, people charged under that statute engaged in what they believed to be consensual sexual activities with a person that the state is now labelling a victim. Even more often, people facing sexually-based criminal offenses have no criminal history at all. This results in naïve defendants who do not understand or assert their constitutional rights. Don’t fall victim to these mistakes. The moment you are accused of a sexually based offense, the moment a police officer requests to interview you, you should be on the phone with a skilled Clearwater criminal lawyer to discuss your options.
Sexual Battery Defendant Over 18 Victim Over 18Sexual battery is prohibited and punished under Florida Law pursuant to Florida Statute 794.011. Under the terms of the statute, a person commits the offense of sexual battery if, without consent, that person penetrates the sexual organs, mouth, or anus of another person with any object or with his or her own sexual organs. The penalties associated with a conviction for this offense depend on several different factors. The sexual battery statute is needlessly convoluted and confusing to the untrained eye. So, in order to determine whether the evidence supports a conviction in your case or if you have a strong defense, consulting with an experienced Clearwater sex crimes lawyer is critical.
The penalties for sexual battery convictions primarily depend on the age of the defendant in relation to the age of the victim. If a defendant is over the age of 18 and the victim is between the ages of 18 and 12, then the offense is a first degree felony punishable by a maximum prison term of thirty years. If the same offense is committed between a defendant aged 18 or more and a victim over the age of 18, then the crime is a second degree felony punishable by 15 years in prison. If in any of these circumstances, the offender is convicted of using force or a deadly weapon, then the penalties increase to a maximum of life in prison.
Speak To Our Lawyers TodayThe attorneys at Hanlon Law are ready and waiting to consult with you regarding your criminal charges. Our attorneys have years of experience an the skills necessary to achieve the best possible results for your case. The seriousness of the crime of sexual battery demands and equally serious attorney. Don’t fall victim to an unfair and unjust criminal justice system. Call us today for a consultation at 727-897-5413.