A Port St. Lucie chemistry teacher is defending allegations that she had sex with a student at her school. Authorities say their investigation began when school administrators tipped them off that a student reported having sex with the teacher. The teacher faces two charges that she had sex with a sixteen or seventeen year old when she was age twenty-four or older.

Law enforcement says that the teacher met the student off campus for sex on more than one occasion. A sting phone call helped confirm the suspicions. The teacher is a married mother of four.

A conviction for sexual battery carries very serious consequences. Jail and even significant time in prison is not uncommon, even for a first offense. A person who is convicted of criminal sexual battery can expect to have a criminal conviction for the rest of their life. It can interfere with the person’s ability to find a job and even where they can live. In Florida, all sexual assault and battery crimes are serious offenses.

As the experienced Port Saint Lucie sexual assault attorney team of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. can tell you, there are a number of variables that can affect the possible penalties in a sexual assault case. The age of the victim is a factor, and using any substance to incapacitate a victim is also an aggravating factor. In cases where the victim is young, they do not have the ability to legally consent to a sexual act. An offender can expect a sentence of five to thirty years or more. An offender with a prior conviction can spend the rest of their life in prison.

If you’re facing sexual battery charges, it’s important to work with a sexual assault criminal lawyer. There are a number of defenses that may be available to you. Your Port Saint Lucie sexual assault attorney can help you explore defenses such as mistaken identity, consent, diminished capacity and innocence. With such serious potential consequences, it’s important to defend yourself to the fullest extent of the law. Our sexual assault criminal lawyers can help you explore your options and present your best defense.

Our team is ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. If you or someone you know is in a similar legal situation, contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200. We look forward to working with you.