Experienced Lebanon Sexual Assault and Abuse Defense Lawyers
Thorough defense strategies for clients facing sexual assault charges in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, and throughout Tennessee
Sexual assault involves crimes where unwanted sexual contact occurs, but does not meet the legal definition of rape. These types of offenses can involve forced oral or anal sexual contact, forced sexual contact with inanimate objects, or other forcible sexual contact.
If these actions occur in ways that do not fully satisfy the definition of rape or aggravated sexual abuse, they normally fall under the umbrella of sexual battery or sexual abuse. If you’re facing a sex crime accusation, you need experienced legal representation. Contact the Lebanon attorneys of Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC today for help.
What are the penalties for sexual assault in Tennessee?
Violation of any sexual assault law is a serious offense, and the penalties related to sexual assault charges vary based on a number of factors, including:
- The length of time the contact occurred
- The age of the victim and the age of the accused
- The degree of injury caused by the assault
- The circumstances of the crime
- Whether or not a weapon or threat of violence was used
- Whether or not the accused is a first-time offender
Depending on the exact circumstances of your case, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges. For example, sexual contact with a minor by an authority figure is a Class A misdemeanor. This means a kiss on the lips, under the right circumstances, could lead to this charge. Aggravated sexual battery, however, is a Class B felony. A Class A misdemeanor might cost you $1,000 in fines; a Class B felony conviction means eight to 30 years in prison, and fines up to $25,000.
We handle sexual assault cases against Uber and Lyft drivers
After releasing their first-ever safety report, Uber revealed they received over 6,000 sexual assault claims in 2017 and 2018. Until May of 2018, Uber and Lyft mandated that all sexual assault accusations go through arbitration, but they have recently changed those rules. This means that drivers can be taken to court to face charges of sexual assault.
If you are an Uber or Lyft driver in Tennessee, and you are facing accusations of sexual assault, call us immediately – even if you have not yet been charged. The court of public opinion is already primed to believe passengers, and yields very little mercy for those accused of sex offenses. Time is of the essence; we can help protect your rights.
Can you help me with false sexual assault allegations?
False Tennessee sexual abuse charges and accusations of sex assault are very common, particularly where there is a domestic issue or an ongoing child custody battle. Of course, any accusation of sexual abuse in Lebanon is serious and damaging, regardless of its truth. If you have been falsely accused of a sex crime, our attorneys will work to have your charges dropped completely. When that is not possible, we can negotiate for a lesser sentence. We can build an effective defense on your behalf, and we will protect your constitutional rights under the law.
Penalties for violating sexual abuse law in Tennessee can include jail time and registration as a sex offender. Sexual battery also falls under sexual abuse law, but has a very broad legal definition. Many actions that do not constitute rape and other violations of Tennessee sexual assault laws can fall into this category. Sexual battery is usually defined as one person touching another in a sexual way when that contact is unwanted. However, this is a very subjective determination, and can lead to very complicated lawsuits involving sexual abuse law.
If you are facing sexual assault charges in Lebanon, TN, contact us today
The Lebanon sexual assault lawyers of Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC possess more than 70 years of combined legal experience. If you or a loved one are facing sexual assault charges, we provide smart and discreet representation. We serve clients in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, or elsewhere in Tennessee. To set up a consultation, call 615-444-7222 or fill out our contact form.