A Port Saint Lucie corrections officer is fighting serious allegations that he sexually assaulted a 13 year old girl. The case came to the attention of authorities when the girl reported the assaults to a friend. The friend urged her to take action and report the assaults to an adult. A police investigation led to charges against the officer.

The accused has already requested a Port Saint Lucie sexual battery attorney. The charges that the corrections officer faces are punishable by life in prison. If convicted, the man can expect to spend many years in prison. The court set the man’s bond at more than half a million dollars. Originally, the man received pay while on administrative leave from his job as a corrections officer. Officials say his leave is now without pay.

Florida law 794.011 prohibits many different types of sexual battery. A Port Saint Lucie criminal lawyer can look at the facts of your case and give you an idea of what offense may apply. The severity of the offense depends on the age of the victim and the force used in the crime. In some cases, sexual battery may even be a capital felony. Other offenses may be a life felony or a felony in the first, second or third degree.

No matter the charge, an allegation of sexual battery is a serious offense. A person who faces this charge may face years in prison in addition to fines, probation and lengthy monitoring. In addition, they may face job loss and the judgment of family and friends.

If you’re facing a charge of sexual battery, it’s important to work with a Port Saint Lucie sexual battery attorney in order to defend yourself to the fullest extent of the law. The law has a specific definition of sexual battery. It’s important to hold the state’s attorney to the highest level of proof when reasonable minds can differ about the facts of a case.

Although a sexual battery charge is a sensitive subject, the truth is that witnesses don’t always remember events accurately. In addition, sometimes they’re not completely honest. Your sexual battery criminal lawyer can evaluate the charges in your case in order to determine the best possible course of action. They can help you prepare your case to present your defenses in the best possible light. If you or someone you is facing a criminal charge, contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200.