The Crime of Sexual Battery

The crime of sexual battery is recognized in Georgia as a serious crime involving touching without consent and usually with the intent to offend or intimidate. Sexual battery charges can be felonies or misdemeanors. At Phillips Carson Phillips, we are experienced and knowledgeable about the crime of sexual battery and will do everything in our power to defend you against such charges.

What is Sexual Battery?

Sexual battery is defined by Georgia statute (16-6-22.1. Sexual Battery; Consent)  when a person intentionally makes physical contact with the intimate parts of the body of another person without the consent of that person. The forced touching of another person does not include sexual penetration.

Penalties for the Crime of Sexual Battery 

Sexual battery can be confused with other sex crimes such as rape and sexual assault. But it is a lesser offense which does not involve forced sexual penetration or physical violence or serious injury.  However sexual assault charges often covers both sexual battery and rape collectively in cases where both have occurred. 

According to Georgia laws, a person convicted of the offense of sexual battery shall be punished as for a “misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.” This means the penalties will be harsh but not as harsh as a felony. 

However if you are convicted of sexual battery against any child under the age of 16 years, this will be a felony and punishment will be in accordance with a felony conviction. In this case, the penalty will be imprisonment for at least one year up to five years. 

What Should I Do If I’m Charged With Sexual Battery?

If you are charged with sexual battery, the first thing that you should do is contact our offices. Do not make any statements, or offer explanations or excuses to investigators or law enforcement. Also until you have had a chance to discuss the charges with your lawyer, do not sign any documents related to the case. We are there to protect your rights and will do everything in our power to defend you against such charges.

Being accused of sexual battery can be confusing and frankly, frightening. You will need the legal guidance and experience our attorney have. We will investigate the charges and evidence against you and come up with a defense strategy to get the charges reduced or dropped.

Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney

As with all criminal charges, a conviction of sexual battery can impact your life irreparably. Your personal life, career, and self esteem will all suffer. By working with our talented attorneys, you can take steps to protect yourself. Contact Phillips Carson Phillips by calling (912) 232-008