Sexual Battery

Sex Crime Lawyers in the Jackson MS Area

Sexual battery, rape, statutory rape and other sex crimes associated can land you in prison for an extended period of time, if convicted. Whether you’re facing a sexual battery charge involving an allegedly incapacitated victim or a statutory rape charge, your first move needs to be getting in touch with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Sexual battery felony charges can impact your freedom and your future. A variety of circumstances can complicate these cases, and emotions can run high, so it’s essential to have an advocate on your side, fighting for your rights and for your freedom.

Sexual Battery, M.C.A. Sections 97-3-95 to 97-3-101

Sexual battery is defined and outlined under Mississippi Code Sections 97-3-95 through 97-3-101. These crimes involve sexual acts, including traditional penetration and a variety of other potentially illicit or unwanted sexual encounters. Sexual battery can also apply in cases involving statutory rape. In most cases, charges associated with sexual battery are felonies. Charges associated with vulnerable victims are also very serious. These cases usually involve victims who are physically helpless or mentally incapacities. There are also charges that involve cases where the alleged perpetrator is a person of authority or in a position of trust. If convicted, you could be facing more than one year in prison, and potentially up to 30 or 40, depending upon the unique circumstances of your individual case.

The Four Types of Sex Crimes

Rape is the most severe type of sex crime. It involves forcing a person to engage in sexual intercourse without his or her consent. Rape is a Class 1 felony, which means that it carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Sexual assault is a sex crime that involves forcing a person to engage in sexual intercourse. Sexual assault is a Class 2 felony, which means it carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Sexual battery is another sex crime that involves touching someone without his or her consent. This can include touching people's private parts or forcing them to touch your private parts. It is also called sexual battery and sexual molestation, which are Class 3 felonies. These carry maximum sentences of seven years in prison.

Voyeurism involves secretly watching someone without his or her consent. Voyeurism is a Class 4 felony and carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

 

 

Can You Represent Yourself in a Sex Crimes Case?

Sex crime cases are serious and should not be taken lightly. If you are facing criminal charges over a sex crime, you must have an experienced sex crimes attorney on your side. Benches do not always have the best record of getting convictions for sex crimes. This is because the victims in these cases often do not want to testify against their alleged assailants.

Some people who are accused of a sex crime choose to represent themselves, which can be a very costly mistake. Being found guilty of certain sex crimes could find you sentenced to decades or even life in prison. An experienced criminal defense attorney will know what type of evidence can be used against you and what parts of your defense strategy must be executed perfectly for your case to go as smoothly as possible.

Sexual Battery Charges Involving Vulnerable or Special Victims

It’s important to understand that in some cases, proper consent can’t be given. Certain types of victims can mean any sexual contact might be considered sexual battery. It the alleged victim is physically helpless, a sexual battery charge could arise. That means that if a person is unconscious for any reason, whether due to drugs, alcohol or some other substance or issue, he or she is unable to give consent to the sexual encounter. Other special victims involve people suffering from mental disease or a person who is mentally incapacitated. If a person is unable to understand the nature and quality of his or her conduct, that’s a problem.

Penalties Associated With Sexual Battery Charges

Each case is different, and depending upon the unique circumstances of your case and the charges involved, you could be looking at anywhere between five years and potentially a lifetime in prison. Even one conviction of sexual battery charge could earn you a sentence of up to five years in prison. If you’re facing multiple charges or a case involving a child or a vulnerable person, expect to see additional charges or the maximum penalties available, if convicted. In addition to prison time, you could also be facing anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 in fines. Worst of all for many people, after repaying their debt to society, they have to register as a sex offender, for life.

Registering as a Sex Offender

Registering as a sex offender is like adding insult to injury for many people, especially first time offenders, who are trying to get on with their lives after paying their debt to society. Being on the sex offender registry can make getting on with your life extremely challenging. It can impact your ability to get a job, rent a home or even get a loan. This is just one more barrier to getting back on your feet and having a successful reentry into society. No matter what type of sex crime charge you’re facing, your top priority after any arrest needs to be speaking with a proven criminal defense lawyer.

Sexual Battery Defense Lawyer in Jackson

Sexual battery, rape, statutory rape and other sex crimes are taken very seriously by the justice system. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to jump to conclusions when crimes are associated with sexual battery and rape. After an arrest, get with your lawyer immediately. Exercise your right to remain silent and patiently wait to see your attorney. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that only a guilty person would ask to see a lawyer. It’s everybody’s right and you deserve to exercise it. The sooner you get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer with proven sexual battery case experience, the better chance you have at a favorable outcome in your case. A lawyer can be your advocate, help to protect your rights and fight for your freedom during an uncertain and stressful time.

If you have been arrested and charged with sexual battery in Jackson or any of the surrounding Metro Areas, contact the skilled and proven team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for an immediate case consultation.

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