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What is Sexual Battery?
A sexual battery conviction will follow you for the rest of your life. Unlike other offenses, the punishment for a sexual act is not over even after serving time, paying fines to the court, or paying restitution to the victim.
Sexual battery is an offense that requires the accused to register with the sex offender registry. This can make it difficult to advance professionally and make personal connections.
Attorney Josh Crain is aware of the implications of a sex offense conviction. He is ready to protect both your reputation and freedom.
Tennessee Code §39-13-505
While most jurisdictions refer to nonconsensual sex as rape, Tennessee classifies the offense as sexual battery.
In accordance with Tennessee Code §39-13-505, a person is guilty of sexual battery if unlawful sexual conduct is paired with any of the following:
- Force or coercion
- Sexual act without the victim’s consent
- The defendant knew or should have known that the victim was mentally or physically impaired
- The sexual contact is accomplished by fraud
Sexual Battery Penalties
If you are found guilty of sexual battery, you could be sentenced to one to six years in jail and be fined $3,000. You will also be required to register on the sex offender registry, with a minimum registration period of ten years.
Tennessee Sex Offender Registry
Certain sexual offenses will require individuals to register with the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, regulated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). You will need to update your listing if you decide to move, and you will be required to re-register annually around your birthday. However, you can apply to have your name removed ten years after your date of conviction or release date, whichever is longer.
Being listed on the sex offender registry can make it difficult to find a job and even affect your ability to earn a living. You could even lose custody rights, robbing you of the chance to see your children grow up.
Aggravated Sexual Battery
For anyone who is considered a “violent sexual offender,” the individual will be required to register for life. This would apply if someone were accused of aggravated sexual battery.
Aggravated sexual battery may apply in any of the following situations:
- The defendant has committed aggravated sexual battery by garnishing a weapon or a device that makes the victim believe that it is a weapon to coerce the victim to have sex
- The defendant causes the victim bodily injury
- At least one other person is helping the defendant to accomplish the act, which may include force or coercion or a victim that is mentally or physically handicapped
- The victim is younger than 13 years old
A Tennessee Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Dedicated to You
A sex crimes attorney has experience in conducting a thorough investigation into a sexual offense. The prosecution can miss details that may absolve you of the crime, so it is crucial that you hire a sex crimes attorney to defend your honor. To arrange your initial consultation, contact the office today by phone or by filling out the online form.