Sexual Battery

Sexual Battery Defense in Clarksville

A Serious Charge Demands a Fact-Specific Defense

A sexual battery accusation requires careful review of what was alleged and whether the evidence supports every element of the charge. At Goble & Yow, PLLC, we represent people facing sex-crime allegations in Clarksville and throughout Montgomery County. Our criminal defense practice includes sexual battery and child pornography matters.

Our lawyers bring more than 35 years of combined legal experience. Eric J. Yow has practiced law full time since 2007 and has tried multiple homicide cases before Montgomery County grand juries. His practice includes sex crimes such as rape and statutory rape, along with incest and violations of the sex offender registry.

Call (931) 283-2311 to request a free consultation about a sexual battery charge or investigation.

What Tennessee Law Defines As Sexual Battery

Under Tennessee law, sexual battery involves unlawful sexual contact combined with at least one circumstance identified in the statute. An accusation isn’t proof that each required element has been established. The alleged conduct, surrounding circumstances, and supporting evidence must be examined separately.

The circumstances that can support a sexual battery allegation include:

Force or coercion connected to the alleged sexual contact.
Lack of consent that the accused knew or reasonably should have known about.
An alleged victim who was mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.
Sexual contact allegedly accomplished through fraud.

In this context, coercion means a threat of kidnapping, extortion, force, or violence that could occur immediately or in the future. We examine the allegation against the statutory definition rather than treating a report or charging decision as proof of guilt. Consent, communications, witness accounts, and the sequence of events can all affect that analysis.

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How We Prepare a Defense in Montgomery County Courts

We begin with a detailed consultation about the client’s circumstances. We ask what happened, identify the allegation, and explain the charge in plain language. We also discuss the possible range of consequences under Tennessee law without predicting a particular result.

We then review available evidence, witness statements, and law-enforcement reports. We consider what each source establishes, whether the accounts are consistent, and how the material relates to the elements prosecutors would need to prove. We develop defense strategies around the facts and circumstances of the individual case.

Criminal cases arising in Clarksville proceed through the Montgomery County court system and may include grand jury proceedings. We review warrants, charging papers, and hearing notices to identify the precise allegation and any scheduled proceedings. These records can show how authorities have characterized the alleged conduct, but the language in a charging document isn’t itself a finding of guilt.

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Discuss the Accusation Before Taking Your Next Step

Our free initial consultation gives you an opportunity to explain what happened and receive a general outline of what may happen next. Whether you’ve learned of an accusation, been arrested, received a warrant, or obtained notice of a charge, bring any available paperwork so we can review the circumstances presented to us.

Preserve relevant documents, messages, and other communications. Avoid discussing the allegations with people who don’t need the information, since those conversations could affect the case.

Submit our contact form or call (931) 283-2311 to request a free consultation with Goble & Yow, PLLC.

Sexual Battery Charges & Potential Penalties in Tennessee

Tennessee generally classifies sexual battery as a Class E felony. Under Tennessee sentencing law, a Class E felony carries a potential prison term of one to six years and a fine of up to $3,000. The consequences in an individual case depend on the charge, applicable law, sentencing factors, and court determinations.

Sexual battery, aggravated sexual battery, and sexual battery by an authority figure are separate offenses. The name and classification shown on the warrant or charging papers matter because each charge has different statutory elements and potential sentencing exposure.

Aggravated Sexual Battery

Aggravated sexual battery is a separate Class B felony. The charge can involve allegations concerning:

A weapon.
Bodily injury.
Assistance by other people.
An alleged victim under 13.

Whether the evidence supports one of these statutory circumstances requires a case-specific review.

Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure

Sexual battery by an authority figure is a separate Class C felony involving a qualifying victim and an accused person alleged to occupy a position of trust, supervision, or custody. A job title or relationship alone doesn’t resolve every element. We examine the alleged position, the parties’ circumstances, and the evidence cited in support of the charge.

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