Criminal Defense For Sexual Battery And Rape

Whenever someone is accused of a crime that contains allegations of sexual misconduct, it is serious. But the most serious of Florida’s sex crimes include sexual battery and rape. A conviction for any level of sexual battery charge can lead to consequences that go far beyond jail time and a fine. With mandatory registration on Florida’s sex offender list, a conviction can affect your future employment and housing opportunities for the rest of your life.

If you are facing sexual battery charges, the experienced legal team at The Rudman Law Group in Boca Rotan, was founded by a former criminal prosecutor. Attorney Douglas Rudman is a criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights and do his best to preserve your freedom.

Sexual Battery In The State Of Florida

In the state of Florida, rape crimes are charged as sexual battery, which means that rape and sexual battery are one and the same. When one person allegedly forces another to engage in non-consensual sexual activity and intercourse, prosecutors can file sexual battery charges. There are several different sexual battery charges and penalties that can be incurred, including:

• Date rape: In Florida, date rape is sexual battery that takes place between those in a potential romantic relationship or between acquaintances.
• Statutory rape: Consensual sexual activity between anyone in a relationship who is younger than age 18, could be charged as statutory rape.
• Marital rape: It is against the law in Florida to force your spouse or partner to have sex against their will. Florida’s domestic violence laws as well as sexual battery laws protect spouses in a marriage and live-in partners in a relationship.

Most sexual battery charges are categorized as a felony in the second degree and can result in a prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of $10,000. Any felony conviction for sexual battery requires lifetime registration on Florida’s sex offender list.

Aggravating Factors For Sexual Battery

If there were certain facts that the court considers aggravating factors, the charges can be even more serious and charged as a felony in the first degree. Some of these aggravating factors include:

• The accused was in a position of authority over the alleged victim
• The alleged victim was threatened with a deadly weapon
• There were alleged threats against the victim’s family
• Force or violence was used, and that force or violence caused harm resulting in a permanent or disfiguring injury
• The victim was physically incapacitated due to sleep or drug-induced incapacitation
• The victim was mentally ill or otherwise mentally vulnerable
• The victim was a child

Any conviction for a sexual battery crime with aggravating factors will have an impact on sentencing and the penalties have the potential to be much harsher. A conviction for a first-degree felony can result in a prison sentence of 30 years.

If the victim was a child between the ages of 12 to 18, the accused could face a lifetime prison sentence. If the child was under the age of 12, the accused could face a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Florida’s sexual battery laws are the most serious of Florida’s sex crimes. The Rudman Law Group’s founding attorney is an experienced criminal defense attorney, who previously worked as a former state prosecutor. His knowledge and understanding of the inner workings of a sexual battery investigation and criminal prosecution is an invaluable asset to anyone who is facing sexual battery charges.

Have You Been Accused Of Rape? Schedule A Confidential And Free Consultation

The compassionate legal team at The Rudman Law Group offers free, initial consultations to prospective clients. To schedule your confidential and free appointment, call the firm at 888-870-7457 or send an inquiry through the firm’s online form.