Uber Driver Convicted Of Sexual Battery

With rideshare services becoming more and more commonplace, people are using Uber and Lyft to get from place to place instead of taxi. Since rideshare services involve regular people, there is a greater risk of criminal activity. Violent crimes such as murders and rapes are more likely to occur.

Unfortunately, this was the case for a Florida woman. She claims that an Uber driver had sex with her without consent and then threatened her with a gun. The Uber driver was charged and convicted of sexual assault.

The incident occurred while the woman was attending Sunfest in West Palm Beach in 2017. The woman claimed that the 58-year-old Uber driver sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. She claimed she was assaulted while in the car and again at her home. The man then threatened her with a gun.

The man, however, denied the claims, stating that the sexual encounter was consensual. The woman made it clear that she did not consent to sex and that she has suffered immensely since the incident.

The man was found guilty of five of the six counts against him. The state wanted to impose a life sentence on him, but the judge instead sentenced him to 22 years in prison. The judge reduced his sentence, considering his lack of criminal history, his age and contributions to the foster care community.

Sexual Battery in Florida

Sexual battery is most commonly known as rape. Rape is illegal under Florida Statutes Section 794.011. Rape is considered a violent crime, and it is punished harshly under Florida law. Rape is defined as a sexual encounter that is not consensual. A person gives consent when he or she is willing to engage in the act without coercion. Those who are mentally disabled, incapacitated, asleep or otherwise unconscious are unable to give consent to sexual activity.

The minimum charge for rape is a first degree felony, which is punishable by 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation and a fine of $10,000. Given that the man committed rape and used a deadly weapon on the woman, he would have technically been charged with a life felony. This is punishable by life in prison and a $15,000 fine. The state imposes a capital felony in certain rape cases. If the sexual encounter involves a child and injures the child’s sexual organs, the offender can face life in prison or even death.

Get Help for Your Sexual Battery Charge

Sexual battery is a serious charge that can lead to a lifetime in prison and fines, among other consequences. In such a case, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible.

There are many elements involved in a rape case. What happens if you are approached by a police officer? Do you know your legal rights?  Get the advice you need by contacting the Dade City attorneys at Madonna Law Group. We can assess your case and advise you of your options. Call our office today at (800) 557-0411 to schedule a consultation.

Resource:

wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/uber-driver-guilty-of-sexual-battery-sentenced-to-22-years