Sexual Battery

According to common law, simple battery is the intentional touching or hitting of another person against his or her will. Sexual battery therefore involves the touching of another person in a sexual manner, when this contact is unwanted or when the victim cannot physically or mentally give consent. While specific definitions of sexual battery vary from state to state, in general this offense may include such offenses as molestation, fondling or forced sexual intercourse. Sexual battery is equivalent to rape in some states, making it a potentially serious criminal offense.

Depending on the manner in which the offense occurs, the age of the alleged perpetrator versus the age of the victim, whether the victim sustained injury and a number of other issues, sexual battery may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A defendant may face jail or prison time, fines, victim restitution and mandatory registration as a sex offender, possibly for life.

Sex offender registration is one of the most serious penalties associated with any sex crime conviction, including sexual battery. A sex offender is required to register with the local law enforcement agency upon his or her release from imprisonment or completion of probation and to then re-register at regular intervals. His or her name, address, photograph and the offense for which he or she was convicted will all be available in the national sex offender registry for anyone to see. Social ostracism, difficulty finding employment and limited housing and financial opportunities may all be in the future of a registered sex offender.

Challenging Sexual Battery Allegations

Every defendant, no matter the crime he or she has been accused of committing, has the right to legal counsel. If you or someone you know has been accused of sexual battery or is facing charges for this crime, you can use our directory to find a local lawyer who can advise you of what you may be up against and what can be done to challenge these allegations.

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