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Penal Code 243.4 PC | Sexual Battery
Penal Code 243.4 PC | Sexual Battery
In California, Penal Code 243.4 PC defines the crime of sexual battery. This law makes it illegal to touch an intimate part of another person for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse without their consent.
Sexual battery can cover a wide range of nonconsensual touching, from inappropriate groping to more aggressive sexual assault. While a misdemeanor charge may apply to minor offenses, more serious violations can result in felony charges and years in prison.
Let’s take a closer look at what constitutes sexual battery under California law, penalties for this offense, and common legal defenses.
What Is Sexual Battery Under California Law?
Here are some key points about the legal definition of sexual battery in California:
- Involves touching an intimate part of another person’s body
- Touching is done for a sexual purpose
- The victim does not consent to being touched
- Intimate body parts include the breasts, genitals, buttocks, groin, or inner thighs
- Touching can be skin-to-skin, through clothing, or with an object
- The touching does not have to be for sexual intercourse
Some examples of sexual battery include:
- Grabbing or fondling a woman’s breast without consent
- Touching someone’s crotch or buttocks without permission
- Forcing someone to touch your intimate body parts
- Rubbing against someone’s leg or body for sexual gratification
Sexual battery does not require penetration as with rape. The nonconsensual touching itself makes it a crime.
Penalties for Violating California’s Sexual Battery Law
Penal Code 243.4 PC can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense, with the following penalties:
Misdemeanor sexual battery may involve less aggressive touching. Penalties can include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- A fine up to $2,000
- Informal probation
Felony sexual battery involves more egregious violations involving force or violence. Penalties can include:
- 16 months, 2 years or 3 years in state prison
- A fine up to $10,000
- Formal probation up to 5 years
Factors that can elevate misdemeanor charges to a felony include committing sexual battery on a minor, on an intoxicated victim, or in concert with other people.
Legal Defenses to Sexual Battery Charges
Being accused of sexual battery can have severe consequences for your reputation and freedom. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential to build a strong defense challenging these allegations. Some possible defenses include:
- False accusations: The alleged victim is lying about what happened. There are many reasons false sexual battery claims arise.
- Mistaken identity: You have been wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
- Consensual touching: The touching occurred but was consensual, not for sexual gratification, or was an accident.
- Self-defense: Use of force was legally justified to protect yourself or someone else.
- Unlawful police conduct: Evidence was obtained through an illegal search or interrogation.
An assertive defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the accusations, evaluate possible defenses, and protect your constitutional rights at every stage of the case.
Penalties for Conviction of Sexual Battery
Being convicted of sexual battery can result in lasting penalties beyond time in jail. Consequences may include:
- Having to register as a sex offender
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- A permanent criminal record
- Prohibition from owning firearms
- Restitution to the victim
- Probation terms or parole
- Sex offender treatment program
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can advise you of all potential penalties and fight aggressively against them on your behalf.
While Penal Code 243.4 PC covers nonconsensual intimate touching for a sexual purpose, California law also prohibits similar sex crimes:
- Rape – PC 261: Nonconsensual sexual intercourse accomplished by force or threats.
- Sodomy – PC 286: Oral or anal copulation by force or with a minor.
- Lewd acts with a minor – PC 288: Sexual touching with a child under age 14.
- Sexual penetration – PC 289: Forced penetration of the genitals or anus by a foreign object.
An attorney can help distinguish sexual battery from these other sex crimes that carry even harsher punishments.
Getting Legal Help for Sexual Battery Charges
Facing charges for sexual battery can feel overwhelming. But with an experienced sex crimes attorney on your side, you can avoid harsh penalties and move forward with your life.
A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough independent investigation of what happened, aggressively challenge any police misconduct, build a solid defense on your behalf, and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Don’t leave your fate up to chance. The right legal guidance can result in reduced charges or an acquittal. Let an attorney protect your rights and future.