What is Sexual Assault & Sexual Battery?

In Florida, the terms “sexual battery” and “rape” are the same. Sexual Assault Sexual Battery occur when someone compels a victim to engage in sexual intercourse against the victim’s will. This crime can be organized into three degrees with their own penalties; Offender is 18 or older, victim is younger than 12 years old. Offender is younger than 18, victim is younger than 12 years old and Offender is 18 or older and victim is 12 or older.

What are the penalties of Sexual Assault & Battery?

The Defendant is eighteen (18) or older, and the victim is younger than twelve (12) years old - If found guilty the defendant can face penalties which include a fine, life in prison, or both. The Defendant is required to serve at least 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Under some circumstances, the court may impose the death penalty.

Defendant is younger than eighteen (18), and the victim is younger than twelve (12) years old - If found guilty the defendant can face penalties which include a fine, up to life (not to exceed 40 years) in prison, or both.

The defendant is eighteen (18) or older and victim is twelve (12) or older - If found guilty the defendant can face penalties that include a fine, and up to 30 years in prison, or both.