Virginia Rape and Sexual Battery Laws

Virginia has many laws addressing illegal sexual act under the immense umbrella of “criminal sexual assault.” The kinds of sex crimes approached in this section are

  • rape,
  • aggravated sexual battery,
  • and sexual battery, these are just a few names.

The basic difference between sexual battery and rape is that rape means sexual intercourse, however, a sexual battery means sexual abuse.

Although, these sorts of crimes are discussed and handled seriously by the laws and authorities in Virginia. In fact, in bonus to moving around with a punishment that requires imprisonment, the offender should have to further join the sex offender registry in Virginia.

rape laws in Virginia

In rape laws of Virginia, the offender who commits a rape crime he/she may go through serious investigations as well as serious punishments.

Though, under the (Section 18.2-61) in VA, if a person rapes someone, whether the victim is a spouse, or relative, or anyone, but the intercourse has been done forcibly without the will of the victim, the act is punishable.

Also, if a person rapes a child who is under the age of 18, the act is also punishable and, in both cases,, the punishment would be imprisonment for up to five years or more than that through the decision of court and jury.

sexual battery laws in VA

In sexual battery laws of Virginia, if a person forcibly abuses someone sexually, for example, force them to do any activity with them, deadly threats, terrorizing, or trick to perform such sexual act with them is punishable.

However, under the (Section 18.2-67.4) of Virginia, if a person is proven guilty in the charged of sexual battery, he/she may go through imprisonment for up to 12months or more than that with a fine of $2,500.

The decision should be held via court and jury. Rape and sexual battery is a class felony?

Yes, both crimes are considered as a felony, however, in rape, you forcibly do intercourse with the victim without any permission or will. Though, in sexual battery, you forcibly threaten the victim to do such acts or sexually abuse them.

Although, in both cases, the victim may suffer from severe mental and physical issues. If the victim has any physical wounds wheater its a rape or sexual abuse, the charged might be as a class felony.

And the penalties and punishments are considered as a felony in where the offender may receive several years stay in jail.

defense lawyer for sexual crimes in VA

Defense lawyers are very important if you commit a crime or if you are the victim, in both cases, you need a lawyer to run the case further legally. However, if you are a victim, then the lawyer may help you to provide your damages as well via a lawsuit. Also, defense lawyers have their own techniques to find out the evidence and further arrangements to solve your case nicely.