Difference Between Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
Sexual harassment and sexual assault are two terms that are often confused with one another but have different meanings. While sexual harassment denotes unwanted sexual advances or comments about a person’s sexuality, sexual assault is nonconsensual sexual touching or sexual acts. In this blog, our Conway sex crime lawyer provides an overview of these offenses and the collateral consequences of a conviction.
Sexual Harassment and Punishments
Sexual harassment encompasses a wide range of behaviors that target a person’s sex or gender identity. Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unwanted touching, or offensive comments about a person’s sexuality are classified as sexual harassment.
The severity of your penalty will depend on the harassment charge filed against you. For example, a person will be charged with harassment in the first degree if he or she exhibits a pattern of intrusive behavior in the victim’s life. If found guilty, you could be sentenced to three years in prison if you have no prior history, with a potential for five years in prison if you have a prior record of harassment or stalking.
Common examples of sexual harassment may involve:
- Derogatory statements about a person’s physique
- Jokes of a sexual nature
- Making lewd gestures
- Offensive statements
- Spreading rumors about a person’s sex life
- Kissing, groping, fondling, or hugging, or other unwanted touching
- Sending unwanted letters or repeatedly asking someone out on a date
Sexual Assault and Punishments
South Carolina defines sexual assault as any forced or coerced sexual contact or act in which the victim does not provide consent. For instance, the touching of another person’s private parts without his or her consent constitutes sexual assault. Under SC Code §16-3-600(C)(1), if you are charged with assault and battery in the first degree, which involves nonconsensual sexual touching and injuring the victim, you could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Aggressive Representation Against Sexual Offense Charges
Being charged with a sexual offense can rob you of your freedom, placing you behind bars for years. Even after your time is served, having a criminal record can prevent you from landing the job of your dreams or finding a suitable place to live. Unlike other crimes, a sex crime conviction will force you to register on the sex offender registry. Names listed on the registry are available to the public, meaning that your neighbors will be aware of your criminal history.
At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, our Conway criminal defense lawyer is dedicated to helping you avoid prosecution under the law. Our firm understands that you are under extreme stress during this time and that you need competent counsel to defend your rights. As such, we will review your case and come up with a tailored approach that gives you the best chance of obtaining a positive case outcome. If it is not possible to avoid a conviction, Attorney Brad C. Richardson will negotiate a plea deal in your favor, fighting for you to spend less time in jail.
Tenacious Representation Against Sex Crime Charges
Being charged with sexual assault or sexual harassment comes with dire consequences. Our Conway criminal defense attorney is committed to helping our clients salvage their good name while maintaining their civil liberties in the process. To schedule your free consultation or to learn what services we have to offer, contact The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson online or give us a call today.
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