Differences Between Rape, Sexual Battery, and Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Battery?

Sexual battery is a sexual offense that involves non-consensual touching of the intimate parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, sexual arousal, or sexual abuse. In Wyoming, it is punishable by a maximum of 1 year in prison, and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is a sexual offense that involves non-consensual contact with the genitals, anus, or mouth of another person. It can also include non-consensual penetration with any object. In Wyoming, it can go up to a fourth-degree crime, and it is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.

What is Rape?

Rape is a sexual offense that involves non-consensual intercourse with another person. In Wyoming, it is punishable by up to 50 years in prison, depending on if it is considered statutory or not.

While sexual battery, sexual assault, and rape all involve unwanted contact with someone else’s intimate parts, there are some key differences between these crimes. Rape is the most serious of these offenses and is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse.

How Can a Sex Crimes Lawyer Help?

There are three primary ways in which a sex crimes lawyer can help those who have been accused of rape, sexual assault, or sexual battery. First, a lawyer can work to prove that the accuser is lying. Second, a lawyer can work to prove that the defendant did not have the required mental state for the crime. Third, a lawyer can work to prove that the defendant’s actions were not forcible or against the will of the victim.

One of the most common defenses against rape, sexual assault, and sexual battery charges is that the accuser is lying. In many cases, there is no physical evidence of the crime, so the case comes down to one person’s word against another. A skilled sex crimes lawyer will know how to cross-examine the accuser and look for inconsistencies in their story.

Another common defense is that the defendant did not have the required mental state for the crime. For example, if the defendant can show that they reasonably believed that the other person consented to sexual activity, then they may be able to avoid a conviction.

Finally, a sex crimes lawyer can also work to prove that the defendant’s actions were not forcible or against the victim’s will. In some cases, the alleged victim may have consented to sexual activity but later claimed that they were raped or sexually assaulted. A lawyer can help to show that the victim’s consent was genuine and that the defendant did not use force or coercion.

If you have been accused of rape, sexual assault, or sexual battery, it is important to speak to a skilled sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and develop a strong defense. Call our criminal defense law firm today at 307-333-7884 for a free consultation.