Murfreesboro Sexual Battery Lawyer

Murfreesboro Sexual Battery Attorney

A sexual battery charge can upend your life and leave you feeling uncertain about your future. The criminal courts in Tennessee reserve harsh penalties for anyone convicted of using force or threats to sexually assault someone. With legal representation from a Murfreesboro sexual battery lawyer, you can fight your charges and position yourself for an outcome to your case that protects your freedom.

Fierce Advocacy and an Unwavering Commitment to Client Representation

Serious criminal charges demand a defense built on sound strategy and proven courtroom experience. When defendants face sex crime charges in Murfreesboro, they rely on the legal services of The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez. Attorney Cesar Arbelaez graduated from the University of Memphis’ Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law before he began his legal career as the first Hispanic male prosecutor at the Davidson County district attorney’s office.

After honing his skills as a prosecutor overseeing both misdemeanor and felony cases, he transitioned to criminal defense. Motivated by a sincere desire to advocate for individuals facing the stressful realities of a criminal charge, he has since represented over 500 individuals and built a strong reputation for fierce advocacy for the rights and interests of his clients. No matter the complexities of your case, you can trust our firm to deliver results when it matters most.

Understanding Sexual Battery in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 39-13-505), sexual battery is defined as unlawful sexual contact with a victim under specific circumstances. These include using force or coercion, acting without the victim’s consent, exploiting someone who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, or accomplishing the act through fraud.

The statute also clarifies that “coercion” can involve threats of kidnapping, extortion, force, or violence. Sexual battery is prosecuted as a Class E felony, carrying serious penalties including prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to a defendant’s reputation.

In 2021, Tennessee law enforcement agencies reported 5,829 sexual assault victims, which is about 92 for every 100,000 residents. In Rutherford County, the rape rate stands at 0.7001 per 1,000 residents annually. An accusation of sexual battery can leave residents in neighborhoods such as Blackman, Northwoods, and The Oaks facing serious criminal charges.

Defense Strategies for Fighting Sexual Battery Charges

Although sexual battery is a very serious criminal charge, the right defense strategy can protect you from the harshest penalties associated with a conviction. One common defense against sexual battery charges is mistaken identity. If the victim did not know their attacker, relying on the victim’s memory alone may not provide the prosecution with the evidence they need to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In cases where the victim and the accused party had a prior romantic relationship, a viable defense strategy may question how objective the victim’s account could be, given the complexities of intimate relationships. In Murfreesboro, criminal intent can play a role in these types of crimes as well, meaning that a defendant may argue that they did not act with criminal intent.

Why You Should Hire a Sexual Battery Lawyer

The decision to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Murfreesboro can provide you with the reliable defense you need to beat your charges. A Murfreesboro sexual battery attorney can review the evidence to find weaknesses in the state’s case. If a witness is inconsistent or unreliable, your attorney can use that or another inconsistency in the prosecution’s case to call for your charges to be dropped or reduced.

A criminal defense attorney brings years of experience relying on sexual battery laws to navigate sexual battery cases. The experience and strength of your legal representation can greatly improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your case.

Safeguard Your Reputation and Freedom With the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez

If you are facing sexual battery charges, the time to take action is now. With representation from the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, you can fight your charges and seek a favorable outcome to your case that avoids potentially life-altering consequences. Our founding attorney was the first Hispanic male prosecutor in Davidson County.

Since shifting his focus to criminal defense, he has represented over 500 clients across 20 Middle Tennessee counties. His trial skills, strong relationships within the courts, and record of favorable outcomes make him a formidable advocate. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.