Central Florida Chiropractor Arrested, Charged With Sexual Assault
According to a report from NBC WESH 2, a chiropractor in Central Florida has been arrested and charged with a number of different sex crimes offenses. Agostinho Rodrigues, 62 years of age, has been booked into jail in Orange County. He is facing felony charges for sexual battery and other offenses. Here, our Orlando sex crimes defense lawyer discusses the allegations and the charges filed in this case.
Allegations: Chiropractor Committed Sexual Battery, Patients Victimized
Chiropractor Agostinho Rodrigues was initially arrested in early October on sexual battery charges. According to local law enforcement, Mr. Rodrigues was accused of using his role as a medical professional to inappropriately touch a female patient. Soon after the arrest, he was released when he posted bond. However, several days later, Mr. Rodrigues was arrested again on a similar charge. The second case is related to allegations that he inappropriately touched a female patient in April of 2022. The victim initially came forward to police in that case, but decided not to move forward with the charges due to the emotional stress. At this time, Mr. Rodrigues has not been convicted of a crime. Every defendant in Florida is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Understanding Sexual Battery Charges in Florida
Sexual battery is a very serious criminal offense in Florida. You may hear this charge referred to colloquially as sexual assault or rape. Though, sexual battery is the technical legal term of the offense. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 794.011), sexual battery is defined as oral penetration with the sexual organ of another or “anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object” without consent. In other words, sexual battery is non-consensual sexual penetration.
What are the Penalties for Sexual Battery in Florida?
While sexual battery is always a very serious felony criminal offense in Florida, the penalties will vary based on the degree of the charges. Here is a brief overview of sexual battery charges:
- Third degree felony sexual battery carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. It is typically only charged when the alleged offender is under 18 years of age.
- Second degree felony sexual battery carries a maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison. It is charged in many sexual battery cases when both the alleged offender and alleged victim are 18 years of age or older.
- First degree sexual battery carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. It can be charged against an alleged adult offender who commits an offense against a minor.
Contact Our Orlando, FL Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Florida sex crimes defense attorney is an experienced, reliable, and justice-focused advocate for clients. If you or your loved one was arrested for sexual battery or any related sex crimes offense, professional guidance and support is available. Contact us online for your strictly private initial legal consultation. From our Orlando law office, we defend the rights of clients in Orange County and throughout the surrounding region in Central Florida.
Source:
wesh.com/article/central-florida-chiropractor-arrested/41622320#
