Sexual Battery Defendant Over 18 Victim Under 12

When discussing criminal charges with laypeople, we often hear the question “how do you represent criminals?” or “how can you advocate for someone when you know they’ve committed a crime?” Almost any dedicated Clearwater criminal defense attorney will be able to answer this question. We zealously represent our clients, guilty and innocent alike because we have first hand experience with the unjust criminal justice system of the United States. We know that many of the people arrested and charged with serious crimes in this country are not truly guilty. And when they are guilty, they are subject to far more serious penalties than their actions justify. And minorities in our State and in our Country are arrested at a greater rate, convicted more often, and sentenced to longer terms of imprisonment than their white counterparts.

So in short, criminal defense attorneys are duty-bound to represent all of their clients to the best of their ability regardless of the depravity of the charges those clients might be facing. Clients charged with serious offenses such as sexual battery will face repercussions for the rest of their lives based only on the fact that they were accused of such a crime regardless of whether they are convicted or not. And the truth is that so many people accused of such crimes are actually innocent. We represent all of our clients as if they were innocent, because that is the only way that we can truly protect the rights of each and every client.

One of the most serious criminal charges that a person can face is that of sexual battery. Sexual battery is the modern legal term for “rape.” Sexual battery is prohibited and punished under Florida Statute section 794.011. Under the law, a person commits the offense of sexual battery if he or she uses an object or a sexual organ to penetrate the sexual organ, mouth, or anus of another person, without that person’s consent. Like many criminal offenses, sexual battery arises out of a complex and sometimes difficult to decipher statute. The statute is broken up into dozens of subsections that modify the prohibitions and punishments depending on the facts of the crime. You need an experienced Clearwater criminal defense lawyer to help guide you through these complex statutes.

The potential punishments levied against a person charged with sexual battery will vary based on several factors. First, the age of the defendant will come into play. Different penalties will be applied for offenders over the age of 18 and those under the age of 18. Next, the age of the victim is considered. If a defendant over the age of 18 is convicted of a sexual battery upon a victim under the age of 12, he or she will have committed a capital offense. Being convicted of a capital offense in Florida once meant that the defendant could be subject to the death penalty. Fortunately, the death penalty in Florida has been abolished for all convictions except for premeditated murder. However, a person convicted of a capital offense will still face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The overwhelmingly serious penalties involved with a conviction for such an offense makes facing sexual battery charges very dangerous. If facing those charges, you should contact a dedicated Clearwater criminal defense lawyer right away.

The attorneys at Hanlon Law have decades of experience guiding their clients through even the most serious and difficult cases. Our results speak for themselves, and we strive to achieve the very best results for each individual client regardless of the obstacles to be overcome. If you find yourself in a situation facing criminal charges, you should contact the firm that will make your case a priority and treat your case with seriousness and professionalism. Call today for a consultation at 727-897-5413.