Nashville Sexual Battery Defense Attorneys

Also Serving Franklin, Brentwood & Mount Juliet

Touching anyone against his or her will for the purposes of sexual gratification is a felony in Tennessee. If someone has accused you of this offense, you need a highly-skilled sex crime defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible.

May McKinney has extensive experience defending both men and women facing sexual battery, aggravated sexual battery, and a wide range of criminal charges in Tennessee. We recognize the sensitive nature of sex crime cases and deliver holistic legal representation that addresses every aspect of the case, including employment, sex offender registration, media attention, and more. Our Nashville sexual battery defense lawyers know what is at stake and are relentless in the full protection of our clients’ rights.

Call our Nashville sexual battery defense attorneys at (615) 265-6383 to arrange a free review of your sexual battery case.

Sexual Battery vs. Aggravated Sexual Battery

The difference between sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery charges lies in the age of the alleged victim:

• Sexual battery involves an alleged victim who is over the age of 13. Penalties may include 1 to 6 years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines, in addition to mandatory sex offender registration.
• Aggravated sexual battery involves an alleged victim who is 13 years old or younger. Penalties include 8 to 12 years of mandatory, 100% prison time. This is in addition to mandatory sex offender registration, heavy fines, and other penalties.

Even a first-time sexual battery offender may face imprisonment, and a conviction for aggravated sexual battery carries a mandatory 8 to 12 years of prison time. What's more, you can lose a civil case alleging sexual battery, rape, or sexual assault, even if you received a not guilty verdict in criminal court. You could then be required to pay a significant amount of financial compensation to the victim for physical and/or emotional trauma.

Potential Defenses in Sexual Battery TN Case

A significant number of sexual battery cases involve false or manufactured allegations. In these cases, innocence can prove to be a powerful and effective defense. The defense can also attempt to show that the complainant misidentified the defendant as the perpetrator of the crime. A defendant can admit to the sexual behavior but that the complainant consented to the behavior, though this has the potential to backfire on the accused. A fourth possible defense is lack of mental capacity. TCA § 39-13-501 says that "unlawful sexual contact" must be intentional, and this could provide another possible defense to the charge.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with sexual battery, aggravated or otherwise, do not wait to consult a Nashville sexual battery defense attorney who has experience with these charges. Serving clients in Nashville and statewide, we at May McKinney can guide and advise you during this difficult time. We defend individuals in state, federal, and juvenile courts across Tennessee.

Call (615) 265-6383 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with our Nashville sexual battery lawyers.