Westport Sexual Battery Lawyer
Assault and Battery are two related but distinct crimes, with the former entailing a threat that puts another person in reasonable fear of imminent harm and the latter entailing actual violent physical contact with another person. However, sexual battery is a purely colloquial term as opposed to being a distinct criminal offense, so its meaning could vary depending on the context.
Sometimes, people use the term sexual battery to refer to Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree, while in other scenarios it describes a violent physical act committed during an act of sexual assault. A Westport sexual battery lawyer from our firm could help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense. If someone has accused you of sexual battery, it is crucial to contact a defense attorney from The Law Offices of Mark Sherman for assistance.
Sexual Battery and Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree
If someone accuses you of committing sexual battery, you may face criminal charges under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-73a for Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree. This offense involves engaging in sexual contact, which refers to non-penetrative touching of intimate areas, without the use or threat of force with someone who does not consent or is unable to consent to sex. This includes minors under the age of 18, a person who is physically helpless, or individuals such as psychotherapy patients if the perpetrator is their psychotherapist.
A Westport attorney who has experience with cases involving sex crimes could explain that the law generally classifies this offense as a Class A misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you may face a maximum one-year jail term and up to $2,000 in fines. However, if the person targeted by an act of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree is under the age of 16 at the time of the incident, this offense becomes a Class D felony, carrying a maximum prison term of five years and up to $5,000 in fines upon conviction.
How Does Physical Force Affect a Sexual Assault Allegation?
Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree does not involve physical force to compel the targeted party into a sexual interaction. If someone uses or threatens force to non-consensually compel sexual contact, authorities will elevate the offense to Sexual Assault in the Third Degree and categorize it as either a Class D or Class C felony depending on the age of the targeted individual.
Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who cannot consent is considered Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, a Class C or Class B felony. The use or threat of force elevates the offense to Sexual Assault in the First Degree, a Class B or Class A felony. Furthermore, violent conduct that results in serious injury during an assault may qualify as Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree, which carries mandatory minimum prison sentences upon conviction. Our lawyers in Westport could provide further information about these sexual assault charges.
Call a Westport Attorney for Help With Your Sexual Battery Case
Accusations of engaging in non-consensual sexual conduct with another person are very serious. The mere allegation could fundamentally alter your life if you fail to handle it proactively and sensitively. A conviction may result in years in prison and permanent sex offender status.
If you are facing an accusation of non-consensual sexual conduct, seek assistance from experienced legal counsel. Call The Law Offices of Mark Sherman today to speak with a Westport sexual battery lawyer, or visit our Avvo.com profile to read verified reviews from our past clients.