Tampa Sexual Abuse Attorney

Accused of a Sex Crime in Florida?

Accused of a Sex Crime in Florida? Our society has become so sensitized to the sexual mistreatment of children that the slightest suggestion of improper behavior with a child can create a whirlwind of censure and ostracism. This has become so ingrained that accusations of sexual abuse, child molestation or child abuse can be made out of revenge for discipline or for other ulterior motives to the benefit of the accuser. Ex-employees and spouses have been known to make these allegations against innocent people. If you are trying to deal with such an accusation or have been arrested on a sexual abuse charge, do not wait to consult a Tampa sex crime defense lawyer. Attorney Tim Hessinger has extensive experience as a prosecutor and has unique knowledge to call upon when building your defense.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse in Tampa

Allegations of sexual abuse can result in criminal charges with serious penalties including life in prison. This is a broad term which includes:

Indecent exposure
Comments of a sexual nature
Touching or fondling of a sexual nature
Exposing a minor to sexual activity
Sexual assault
Attempted rape or rape

A sexual abuse lawyer with our firm can work with you to avoid charges being brought against you. If you have been arrested an investigation into the background and possible motives of the accuser for wishing you harm can be carried out. Witnesses who can testify on your behalf may be located and interviewed.

Sexual Assault Penalties in Tampa

Any physical contact of a sexual nature without the clear and knowing voluntary consent of another constitutes the crime of sexual assault. The charge could be rape or other specific sexual assault. Sexual assault is normally committed by a stranger, an acquaintance, a date, a gang, a spouse or is drug facilitated in some manner. A sexual assault conviction can result in severe penalties for the offender. Punishment can include imprisonment, fines, probation, court ordered counseling and rehabilitation.

An individual convicted of a sex crime can mean mandatory registration as a sex offender, continuous monitoring by law enforcement and limitations on where one can take up residence. Upon arrest for sexual assault, it is essential that an accused contact a Tampa sex crime defense attorney for competent legal advice considering the magnitude of a sexual assault charge. The serious crime of sexual assault necessitates a defense by the experienced defense attorney from The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger.

Consequences of Sexual Assault

A person convicted of sexual assault can experience public humiliation. A sex crime charge can result in loss of employment if a job involved certain professional licenses, a security clearance, or working with children. Usually sex offenders are restricted from being near schools, playgrounds, or public parks.

A prosecutor must prove that a sexual assault victim was incapacitated, forced or threatened, impaired mentally or physically, or coerced by authority and could therefore not consent to a sex act. A knowledgeable defense attorney can challenge evidence presented by the prosecutor including victim statements, witness statements, police reports, forensic evidence, medical reports and the validity of the arrest. Timothy Hessinger aggressively fights for the rights of their clients and defend them against charges of sexual assault. A sex crime is a serious offense and the penalties are harsh. Our legal team has successfully defended clients accused of sexual assault with the goal is one of reduced or dismissed charges. It is important to make an appointment today for a consultation with our qualified attorney for a review of the sexual assault charges.

Contact a Tampa sexual assault defense lawyer for skilled representation and defense against sexual assault charges.

Charged with Sexual Battery in Tampa?

Battery means the unlawful infliction of harmful physical contact upon another even when no harm results. When this involves a sexual act or intent then the crime is one of sexual battery and is covered extensively under Florida State Law 794.011 "Sexual Battery." The exact definition of this crime as given in the law is:

"Sexual battery" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, sexual battery does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.

Just as in the crime of rape the element of consent can be an important aspect of this case. The legal definition that applies here is that it means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does not include coerced submission. "Consent" does not mean nor can it be taken to mean as given by the failure of the alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender.

The law also defines the conditions under which consent cannot be given or considered valid if given, these include:

"Mentally defective" means a mental disease or defect which renders a person temporarily or permanently incapable of appraising the nature of his or her conduct
"Mentally incapacitated" means temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling a person's own conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic, or intoxicating substance administered without his or her consent or due to any other act committed upon that person without his or her consent
Physically helpless" means unconscious, asleep, or for any other reason physically unable to communicate unwillingness to an act
A minor under the age of 18

These are felony acts and will require a very aggressive defense from a Tampa sex crimes defense lawyer with a lengthy background in this field of practice.

At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, we stand ready to challenge your charges of sexual battery. Call today!

Consequences of a Sexual Battery Conviction

The penalties of this crime can escalate depending upon the nature of the crime and most importantly if the victim was a child or under the age of 12. They all will be treated as felonies and in some circumstances are deemed a Capital Offense. Fighting charges of sexual battery must be done as soon and as aggressively as possible. Contact a Tampa sexual battery defense attorney for an immediate case evaluation and consultation.

Retain a Skilled Tampa Sex Crimes Lawyer

Our legal team will do everything possible to protect you from a damaged reputation and professional ruin. Since conviction may result in mandatory registration as a sex offender, the stakes are high and a powerful defense is vital. Call The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger for a consultation with an aggressive sex crime defense lawyer who is determined to gain a positive outcome.

Contact a Tampa sexual abuse attorney at our firm to get your questions answered and the advice which you need for an effective defense.