If you have been charged with any type of sex crime in Florida, you cannot leave anything to chance. The criminal defense lawyers at the Alers Law Firm can provide you with vigorous legal representation.
Lewd and lascivious molestation and sexual battery are both charged as felonies in Florida, regardless of the circumstances involved. The potential penalties depend on both the age of the perpetrator and victim as well as any other aggravating circumstances. Simply stated, prosecutors will seek a lengthy jail sentence in these types of cases.
Call the criminal defense lawyers at the Alers Law Firm if you are facing serious sex crimes charges. We can speak to you during a free initial consultation in a non-judgmental manner.
Any type of criminal charge for a sex crime can have devastating consequences if you are convicted. There are particularly serious penalties for lewd and lascivious molestation and sexual battery. It is essential that you take any allegations extremely seriously because a conviction can lead to a loss of your freedom for an extended amount of time, even perhaps for the rest of your life. Here are the penalties for convictions on sex crime charges in Florida.
Lewd and lascivious molestation in Florida involves unlawful sexual contact with a minor, including:
Touching a minor’s private parts: This includes the buttocks, genital area, or breasts.
Encouraging self-touching: Causing the minor to touch themselves in a sexual manner.
Florida law imposes severe penalties for lewd and lascivious molestation, with sentences depending on the ages of both the perpetrator and the victim at the time of the offense. The harshest punishment applies when the offender is over 18 and the victim is under 12 years old. In such cases, the crime is classified as a life felony, and it is punishable by a minimum of 25 years in prison.
If the offender is over 18 and the victim is between 12 and 16 years old, the crime is treated as a second-degree felony, carrying penalties of:
Up to 15 years in prison
15 years of probation
A $10,000 fine
When the offender is under 18, the crime may be charged as a third-degree felony, which includes:
Up to 5 years in prison
A fine of up to $5,000
Even in cases where the perpetrator is a minor, they can be tried as an adult, and a conviction will lead to life-altering consequences.
If you are facing charges for lewd and lascivious molestation in Florida, it is crucial to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. A skilled lawyer can help you understand the charges, evaluate your defense options, and fight to protect your rights and freedom.
Sexual battery, commonly referred to as rape, is one of the most serious criminal offenses under Florida law. The penalties for sexual battery vary based on factors such as the age of the victim, the age of the offender, the use of force or threats, and whether a weapon was involved. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties:
If the offender is over 18 years old: This is classified as a capital felony, punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or, in some cases, the death penalty.
If the offender is under 18 years old: This is a life felony, punishable by up to life in prison.
Offender over 18 years old: Considered a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, probation, and fines.
Offender under 18 years old: May also face significant penalties but with the possibility of juvenile court intervention.
If the offender used physical force or threats without a weapon, the crime is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by:
Up to 15 years in prison
15 years of probation
Fines up to $10,000
If the offender used a weapon, caused serious bodily injury, or threatened to kill the victim, the charge is elevated to a first-degree felony, with penalties of:
Up to 30 years in prison
Fines and probation
Use of Drugs or Intoxicants: If the victim was incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol, penalties can be more severe.
Prior Convictions: Repeat offenders may face enhanced penalties.
Aggravating Circumstances: Crimes involving threats, kidnapping, or coercion result in harsher sentences.
A conviction for sexual battery in Florida requires mandatory registration as a sex offender, which imposes significant restrictions on where you can live, work, and travel.
If you have been charged with any crime involving sexual assault, it is essential that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. As you can see, there are substantial penalties involved, and there may be a rush to judgment. Even being accused of a sex crime can have catastrophic effects on your reputation and life. Therefore, it is vital that you seek legal help to present the strongest defense and achieve the best possible outcome to your case.
It’s essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Florida’s sexual battery laws and can develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. Early legal intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
The criminal defense lawyers at the Alers Law Firm are just a phone call away at any time of day. You cannot afford to delay reaching out to a criminal defense law firm because the consequences can be dire. Schedule an initial consultation with one of our lawyers by filling out an online contact form or by calling us today at 407-930-4888.
Successfully navigating a criminal charge demands a blend of collaboration, seasoned expertise, and strategic foresight. At Alers Law Firm, we excel in delivering precisely that. Alers Law Firm is an Orlando team of criminal defense attorneys which boasts extensive experience and a steadfast commitment to upholding the rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.Central to our practice is the belief in the presumption of innocence—a principle that drives our tireless advocacy on behalf of our clients. We leave no stone unturned in crafting a robust defense strategy tailored to the unique aspects of each case. From meticulous scrutiny of evidence to strategic dismantling of the prosecution's... View full business profile here: Alers Law Firm
