Nashville Sexual Battery Defense Attorney

Are you facing allegations of sexual battery? If so, it is crucial that you understand that a conviction can result in extensive jail time, steep fines, and other damaging consequences. That is why it is important to refute a sexual battery charge with the help of experienced counsel.

At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, we understand the toll that a sexual battery conviction can have on your life. If you have been charged with sexual battery, there is no time to waste. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a sexual battery attorney in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sexual Battery

According to TN Code §39-13-505, sexual battery is defined as unlawful sexual conduct in conjunction with any of the following factors:

• The sexual act is accomplished by force or coercion
• The victim did not consent to the act
• The victim is mentally impaired or physically disabled
• The sexual act is accomplished by fraud

As used in this statute, coercion means any future threat of kidnapping, extortion, force, or violence.

Unlike rape, sexual battery does not require sexual penetration. However, the other elements required for the prosecution to secure a sexual battery conviction are identical to those for rape.

Aggravated Sexual Battery

When a victim is thirteen years of age or younger, a defendant will most likely be charged with aggravated sexual battery.

In addition to unlawful sexual conduct, any of the following circumstances can apply:

• The defendant uses a weapon to force or coerce the victim
• The defendant causes the victim bodily injury
• The defendant is helped by one or more persons and
  • Force or coercion is used to accomplish the sexual act or
  • The defendant knows or should know that the victim is mentally impaired or physically disabled or
  • The victim is 13 years old or younger.

Sexual Battery and Aggravated Sexual Battery Penalties

Sexual battery is a Class E felony, punishable by one to six years in prison, a potential fine of $3,000, and typically requires registration on the sex offender registry. Since it is a felony, the minimum jail sentence is one year. A fine may or may not be assessed, given the circumstances of your case. Sexual battery is categorized as the lowest-level felony offense.

Aggravated sexual battery is considered a more serious offense. It is a Class B felony, punishable by 8-30 years in prison, a potential fine of $25,000, and registration on the sex offender registry.

A Sexual Battery Attorney Advocating on Your Behalf

A sexual battery conviction comes with harsh penalties. While a prison sentence can put your life at a screeching halt, being listed on the sex offender registry can forever ruin your reputation.

Being listed on the sex offender registry can make it difficult to secure employment or adequate housing. Additionally, a sexual battery conviction can result in your custody rights being revoked. Although certain offenses will result in automatic termination of your parental rights, it is ultimately at the court’s discretion.

Attorney Andrew C. Beasley is devoted to helping you achieve a successful case outcome. He will investigate your case to determine if the police obtained evidence illegally or if there are other procedural errors. If there is evidence that should be discarded, we will fight to ensure that it is never exposed.

A Nashville Sexual Battery Defense Attorney Working for You

We know the anxiety that comes with a sexual battery charge. The charge may have come out of nowhere, disrupting your life for no good reason. If you have been accused of sexual battery, our firm is ready to help. To schedule your free consultation, contact us by phone or by completing our online contact form.