What is sexual battery charge?

Sexual battery is a criminal offense that may be charged as an assault or a battery. It is defined as the intentional and unwanted touching of a person's intimate parts, such as the breasts, genitals, or buttocks, without their consent.

The specific elements of the charge vary by state and jurisdiction, but generally, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intentionally touched the victim's intimate parts, that the touching was without the victim's consent, and that the victim did not resist or offer consent.

The severity of the charge and the potential penalties vary based on the circumstances of the incident, including whether the victim was a minor, whether the defendant used force or threats, and whether the defendant had a prior conviction for a sexual offense.

Some common penalties for sexual battery charges include fines, probation, mandatory counseling or therapy, and imprisonment. In some cases, the defendant may be required to register as a sex offender, which can severely limit their employment and housing opportunities.