What To Do If You Are Accused Of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is committed when a person forces, threatens or intimidates another person into performing a sexual act or engaging in sexual activity. A key factor in this is one party’s unwillingness or absent consent to participate.
There are many sex crimes that could constitute sexual assault charges, such as:
Anyone convicted of sexual assault will be guilty of a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. However, if a person actually makes physical contact with the victim, or causes injury to the victim, he or she will be charged with sexual battery. Sexual battery is defined as non-consensual anal, oral, or vaginal penetration, and is punishable by a number of serious penalties, such as possible imprisonment for life, thousands of dollars in fines, and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
If you have been charged with sexual assault, it is essential that you reach out to a sexual assault defense lawyer in Tallahassee. Contact our team today.
If you have been accused of sexual assault, it’s important to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. Sexual assault is one of the easiest crimes to fabricate. At the law offices of Jansen & Davis, P.A., you can trust that we will not let a false, fabricated or exaggerated accusation wreak havoc on your life and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Assault In Florida
It can be outright terrifying to face sexual assault charges. Some of the most frequent questions our sexual assault defense attorneys hear from clients include:
How is sexual assault defined under Florida law?
Sexual assault is broadly defined as any kind of nonconsensual sexual contact, regardless of whether the sexual contact was oral, vaginal or anal, and no matter if the contact was with a body part or an object.
What kind of evidence can be used against me in court?
Many different kinds of evidence may come into play. Things like forensic exams (such as a “rape kit” that was taken at a hospital or clinic), cellular records, security camera footage and witness statements may all be important. In some cases, both circumstantial and direct evidence may be used.
Can I be convicted based solely on the accuser’s statement?
You can be convicted solely based on an accuser’s testimony. Some cases end up coming down to the testimony of one person against another, so each person’s credibility has to be weighed by the judge or jury. However, it is important to remember that the prosecution has to prove each element of a case beyond a reasonable doubt, and that is not always easy to do when it is simply one person’s word against another person’s word.
What are the penalties for being convicted of sexual assault in Florida?
Without any aggravating circumstances, such as the use of drugs to incapacitate the victim or the use of force, sexual assault is a second-degree felony. Upon conviction, you could face up to 15 years in prison. If the charges are considered aggravated, you could face between 30 years and life.
It is also important to understand that, in Florida, sexual battery – or rape – is a more severe crime. It involves intercourse with an unwilling partner. Depending on the age of the victim, your age and whether there were weapons used, you could face 15 years in prison to life, as well as lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Former Prosecutors Working In Your Corner
We will thoroughly investigate your charges, compile strong evidence, and aggressively challenge the prosecutions’ accusations in court. Furthermore, we will be by your side at each stage of the criminal process, where we can answer your questions and address your concerns. Our main priority is providing you with the aggressive and committed defense representation you need to beat your charges to win your case!
If you have been charged with sexual assault, do not head into court without the legal counsel and representation of an experienced Tallahassee sexual assault defense lawyer. Contact Jansen & Davis, P.A., today for a free consultation. Call 850-641-8739 to get started.