Sexual Battery

Sexual Battery Defense in Murfreesboro

Defense Informed by Former Prosecutorial Experience

Sexual battery allegations require careful examination of the alleged contact, surrounding circumstances, and prosecution evidence. At Parkerson Law, we represent people facing sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery charges in Murfreesboro. We build each defense around the specific facts rather than assumptions based on the accusation.

Thomas Parkerson has two decades of legal experience. He entered private practice in 2010 after six years as a prosecutor, including service as an Assistant District Attorney for Tennessee’s 16th Judicial District and as a prosecutor in Rutherford County. That background informs how we assess the state’s evidence, anticipate prosecution tactics, and prepare for contested proceedings.

We provide personalized representation and consistent communication throughout the legal process, keeping clients informed about the charge, defense options, and decisions ahead.

Call (615) 392-3012 to arrange a private consultation about a sexual battery charge.

What Tennessee Law Defines As Sexual Battery

Under Tennessee Code § 39-13-505, sexual battery involves unlawful sexual contact under one of several defined circumstances. The statute covers contact involving force or coercion, as well as contact without consent when the accused knows or reasonably should know consent is absent. It also addresses contact involving a person described by law as mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless, and contact accomplished through fraud.

Coercion has a specific legal meaning in this context. Tennessee law defines it as a threat of kidnapping, extortion, force, or violence that may occur immediately or in the future. Because the prosecution must prove the applicable statutory basis, the words used, alleged conduct, and context of the interaction can all matter.

Sexual Battery Classification

Tennessee classifies sexual battery as a Class E felony. A felony accusation can affect personal relationships, employment, and reputation before the case ends. The charge remains an allegation, and the prosecution must prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Aggravated Sexual Battery

Aggravated sexual battery is a separate Class B felony. The aggravated offense can involve the use of a weapon, bodily injury, assistance from another person, or an alleged victim under age 13. Identifying the precise accusation and statutory provision is essential because the elements and potential consequences differ.

How We Prepare a Sexual Battery Defense

We begin with a private consultation and detailed assessment of the accusation. This discussion helps us identify the alleged timeline, the people involved, prior communications, and the client’s account of what occurred. We then compare those details with the elements the prosecution must prove.

A sexual battery defense requires more than a general denial. Depending on the evidence, consent, identification, credibility, intent, and the legality of investigative procedures may become important. We evaluate potential defenses, including mistaken identity, false allegations, and procedural violations, without assuming that one strategy fits every case.

Our preparation may include:

Reviewing the charge: We examine the statutory basis alleged by the prosecution and the evidence supporting each element.
Conducting an investigation: We assess available witness accounts, communications, records, and other evidence relevant to the accusation.
Examining criminal discovery: We obtain and review prosecution evidence available to the defense under applicable rules.
Assessing procedures: We consider whether interviews, searches, evidence collection, and other investigative steps complied with the law.
Preparing for the next stage: After investigation and discovery, we evaluate negotiation while preparing for the possibility of trial.

Trial readiness shapes how we approach contested facts and prosecution theories. Thomas Parkerson’s former prosecutorial experience helps us evaluate how the state may present witnesses and organize its evidence. We tailor the defense to the case while keeping the client involved in significant decisions.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

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A professional, courteous, knowledgeable and honest attorney... Thomas Parkerson took the time to hear the details of my case and explained my options without making empty promises or providing unrealistic expectations.

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Thomas Parkerson is the best attorney in town! His many years as an ADA and now many years as a defense attorney gives him the knowledge and experience to handle any criminal charge. Personal, genuine attorney who truly cares for his clients!

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Mr. Parkerson is a fantastic lawyer and very personable. He was able to get all my legal issues resolved very quickly. He even emailed me back very quickly when I had questions regarding my legal issues.

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Discuss Your Charge Confidentially

Use our contact page to arrange a consultation and detailed case assessment. We can discuss the allegation, the current stage of the proceedings, and available representation options. Virtual appointments offer additional accessibility and flexibility.

Call (615) 392-3012 or contact us through our contact form to discuss sexual battery defense in Murfreesboro.

How Felony Cases Move Through Local Courts

Felony sexual battery cases generally proceed through the Rutherford County Circuit Court’s criminal division. A case may move from arrest or formal charging to arraignment, pretrial proceedings, and trial or another resolution. The sequence and timing depend on how the charge began, the court’s schedule, the evidence, and the issues raised before trial.

At arraignment, the accused is formally advised of the charge and enters a plea. Pretrial proceedings can involve criminal discovery, motions concerning evidence or investigative conduct, and negotiations. Sex crime investigations in the area often involve the Murfreesboro Police Department or the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, so early review of agency reports and procedures is an important part of case preparation.

Tennessee Sex Offender Registry Consequences

A sexual battery conviction is a registrable offense under Tennessee law. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation administers the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, while local law enforcement handles initial registration shortly after conviction or release from incarceration. Registration duties can include ongoing reporting and verification requirements.

A person classified as a sexual offender for a sexual battery conviction generally faces a registration period of at least 10 years. Eligibility to request termination depends on the conviction and completion of incarceration or supervision, and removal isn’t automatic. Because registry consequences depend on the final conviction and applicable law, we consider them when evaluating the stakes and possible paths in the criminal case.

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Parkerson Law

What Sets Us Apart?

Track Record of Excellence
With a defense portfolio that spans close to ten thousand cases, Parkerson Law has a proven track record of success.
Decades of Experience

With over 20 years of dedicated practice, Parkerson Law brings a wealth of experience to every case.
Former Prosecutor Advantage

With a background as a former prosecutor, Thomas Parkerson skillfully navigates your defense and anticipates strategies.
Client-Centered Compassion

At Parkerson Law, our clients are more than just cases. We approach each situation with genuine compassion and a commitment to helping them navigate challenges.

Parkerson Law

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