Hearing that you’re facing a Statutory Rape charge in Fort Lauderdale Florida can feel devastating, but our South Florida statutory rape lawyers at Rossen Law Firm are here to defend your rights and protect your future. We know that bad things can happen to good people and our attorneys are here to help, not judge.
What is a Statutory Rape Crime?
Statutory Rape is defined as engaging in sexual activity with a person who is younger than the legal age of consent.
As a statutory rape attorney can further explain, a child under 16 years of age cannot consent to sexual activity in South Florida, regardless of the age of the defendant. A child who is at least 16 years of age and less than 18 years old cannot consent to sexual activity if the defendant is 24 years of age or older.
While commonly called “statutory rape”, the Florida justice system actually terms it “unlawful sexual activity with a minor,” which falls under the umbrella of sexual battery (FLA. STAT. § 794.05 (2016).
CONSEQUENCES OF STATUTORY RAPE IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Statutory Rape is a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for first-time offenders.
For habitual offenders, penalties can include up to 40 years in prison or even life in prison in Florida.
STATUTORY RAPE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN SOUTH FLORIDA
If you’re facing a Statutory Rape charge or allegation in Fort Lauderdale – you’ve come to the right place. Rossen Law Firm has extensive experience providing a compassionate and knowledgeable defense to Statutory Rape charges. In fact, we’ve even gotten false rape charged dropped before they’re officially filed.
Facing a Statutory Rape charge is hard enough. It’s our job to guide you to a successful case outcome.
When you hire us, we keep you involved in the entire process of your case, filling you in on our strategy, how the legal system works, and exactly what to expect from the courts and from us. Once we’re hired, our defense plan begins immediately.
Give our office a call if you’re facing a Statutory Rape charge. Our expert South Florida statutory raoe lawyers will listen to your story, discuss the best action plan for you, and see what resources may help you. One mistake shouldn’t have the power to ruin your life – that’s why we’re here.
Statutory Rape Defenses
- False Allegations: Sometimes, accusers make allegations that are not true out of spite, jealousy, manipulation, or coercion. If the alleged victim’s accusations are untrue, this could be used as a basis for defense.
- Consent: Consent is a defense to an accusation of sexual assault or battery, but only if the consent was found to be intelligently, knowing, and voluntarily made. This means that if a victim says they were unknowingly drugged or too intoxicated to consent, a jury could find that they did not consent to the sexual activity voluntarily. The victim also has to be legally able to give consent.
- Diminished Capacity: The defendant may have had diminished capacity or mental instability at the time of the offense; a possible defense is that the defendant did not have the intention or mental state to commit the crime.
Free Statutory Rape Criminal Defense Strategy Session
We handle statutory rape cases of all types. We know how to preserve your rights and provide you with a personalized and aggressive defense to your criminal charges.
Rossen Law Firm offers FREE strategy sessions so you know how we’ll work to get the best possible outcome on your case for you.
HOW WE WIN SEX CRIME CASES IN FLORIDA
- False Rape accusation cleared in South Florida before the false charges were officially filed against the defendant.
- Learn how we got a Lewd & Lascivious Molestation Investigation Ended without Arrest in North Miami Beach, FL.
- Learn how Rossen Law Firm got a falsely accused Rape charge dropped in South Florida.