A sexual battery conviction carries stiff penalties in Oklahoma. Don’t hesitate to protect yourself against these sex crime charges.
Sexual battery differs from sexual assault in that it involves a violent physical act carried out against another person for the purpose of sexual gratification. More specifically, sexual battery is defined as the intentional touching, groping or fondling of a body part – including private areas – on another person, in a lewd and lascivious way, without the consent of the victim. Sexual battery is a difficult sex offense to prove, since the law is relatively vague when it comes to this type of sex offense, although sexual battery can include an act as common as grabbing the buttocks or breasts of another person. If you have been charged with sexual battery in Oklahoma, an experienced defense attorney can help you defend yourself against your accuser. Contact our criminal defense team at Oklahoma Legal Center, and begin the process of building a strong defense in your case.
Sexual Battery Explained
According to Title 21, Section 1123 (b) of the Oklahoma Statutes, “No person shall commit sexual battery on any other person. ‘Sexual battery’ shall mean the intentional touching, mauling or feeling of the body or private parts of any person sixteen (16) years of age or older, in a lewd and lascivious manner and without the consent of that person.” Keep in mind that, in order to be convicted of sexual battery in the state of Oklahoma, every element of this statute must be proven by the prosecutor. In other words, the prosecution must prove that 1. You intentionally violated the body of another person; 2. That person is of consenting age; 3. The conduct was lewd; 4. The victim did not give consent.
Penalties Resulting From a Sexual Battery Conviction
Title 21, Section 1123 (c) of the Oklahoma Statutes state that any person convicted of sexual battery in Oklahoma will be deemed guilty of a felony offense, punishable by a prison term in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary of not more than 10 years. A sexual battery conviction will also result in the individual being required to register as a sex offender with the state for the rest of their lives. It is important to note that even if the actual act of sexual battery is not committed, a person can be found guilty of attempted sexual battery if the prosecution can prove that there was an intent by the defendant to place the victim in immediate threat and danger of sexual battery. This may include drugging a victim with the intention of sexual contact, or locking someone in a bedroom for the purpose of sexual activity.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Team for Help
In sex crime cases in the state of Oklahoma, the prosecutor bears the burden of proof, which means that a sexual battery conviction cannot be dealt if the prosecution fails to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that if our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center can cast even a little bit of doubt on the information surrounding the victim’s lack of consent, the evidence supporting the victim’s claim, police procedure, or by using a polygraph test or a defense of mistaken identity, we may be able to win your case. If you are facing charges for sexual battery in Oklahoma, contact our criminal defense team at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options. With our team of qualified criminal defense lawyers on your side, you can protect your legal rights and significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.