SEXUAL BATTERY IN VIRGINIA

LEGAL COUNSEL FROM A VIRGINIA BEACH SEX CRIME LAWYER

If you are arrested and charged with sexual battery or aggravated sexual battery in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you could face lengthy jail/prison sentences, expensive fines, registration as a sexual offender, and permanent damage to your reputation. For these reasons, it is imperative to seek experienced and skilled legal representation from a qualified criminal defense attorney.

At George Holton Yates, Attorneys At Law, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom from serious sex crimes, including sexual battery. With more than three decades of experience, we have a comprehensive understanding of state and federal laws to help you formulate an aggressive and personalized defense strategy.

SEXUAL BATTERY & AGGRAVATED SEXUAL BATTERY PENALTIES

Sexual battery is defined as inflicting sexual abuse on someone by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse. In other words, you can be convicted of sexual battery by touching another individual’s intimate parts either directly or through clothing, or you force someone to touch your intimate parts with the intention to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify.

Sexual battery is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. As far as aggravated sexual battery is concerned, it is a felony that is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.

While aggravated sexual battery includes the elements of simple sexual battery, the crime also must include the following:

• The victim is less than 13 years of age, or between 13 and 15 years of age
• The victim’s mental incapacity or helplessness is used to their disadvantage
• The offender is the parent, step-parent, grandparent, or step-grandparent of the victim and the said victim is between 13 and 18 years of age
• The act is committed against the will of the victim through force, threat, or intimidation
• The offender causes serious bodily or mental injury to the victim
• The offender uses or threatens to use a dangerous weapon

GET A FORMER PROSECUTOR ON YOUR SIDE

You may already be viewed as guilty in the eyes of the prosecution and public, even though the trial hasn’t started yet. As former prosecutors, we can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case and give you an advantage in court. With the penalties this serious, do not risk fighting these charges without qualified legal counsel.

Contact our firm and schedule a free consultation today.