There are several defenses regarding sexual battery in Los Angeles county. The main one is that whatever happened between you and the other person was consensual. California Penal Code 243.4 defines the crime of sexual battery.
So, if both parties agreed to some sexual touching, then obviously, that would be a complete defense, as long as the person was at least 18 years of age to the crime of sexual battery. So, that's one defense that I see used all of the time in dealing with cases.
You have to decide whether or not you can be successful with that defense before you try to employ it because if prosecutors file a sexual battery case against you, they think you've done something wrong. The alleged victim is claiming that it wasn't consensual.
The argument of Consensual Sex or Accidental Touching
So, you've got to have a defense that can counter that. Sometimes it's a he-said/she-said situation. Sometimes there are other witnesses. Sometimes there's further evidence that both the prosecutors and the defense can use.
The other defense that I've seen used in Penal Code 243.4 sexual battery scenario throughout Los Angeles and the 38 courts is the argument that whatever the touching was accidental.
I've seen people in various situations accidentally touch another person in a private area or close to a remote location, and the person thinks that, in reality, they were trying to do that intentionally so they could touch the person. The person says, no, I didn't do that intentionally. It was an accident. I apologize.
But the bottom line is it's not a criminal act, and therefore, I should not be charged with a sex crime. Often, you can be successful with that type of defense as long as you've got the evidence to support that, or your story is more believable than the other person's story.
That's kind of what it boils down to is that you've got to be able to mount a good argument that you're innocent, you didn't do whatever it is that they're claiming that you did relate to sexual activity.
False Accusation
So, I think what you have to do comes to somebody like me who's been doing this now for 26 years, defending sexual battery cases, to get a good feel whether or not that defense will be able to work its way out.
I would say probably the last and third defense that I've seen employed in sexual battery cases is that the person is simply lying, and they're trying to get some motive to lie or angle for lying, or they're wrong.
They think that you touched them or the person that touched them and you're not, and they don't have the proof. Therefore, you're innocent, and you shouldn't be charged.
Experienced Sexual Battery Defense Lawyer
I see all these defenses when it comes to sexual battery cases, which will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your particular case. You have to give all the information you have to your defense attorney.
Be honest. Tell them what happened, and you and your defense attorney decide whether or not it's the best move to assert one of the defenses or whether your attorney should work out some deal or negotiation with the prosecutors.
I do this all the time. I have had a lot of success with it. I'm pretty good at hearing what the client has to say, and obviously, giving them the best advice possible so that they can end up with the best possible result.
Hedding Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm located in Los Angeles County at 16000 Ventura Blvd #1208 Encino, CA 91436. Contact our office for a free case evaluation at (213) 542-0979.
Related:
Los Angeles Jury Instructions for Sexual Battery
Defense of Sexual Battery Charges in San Fernando Courthouse
