Sex crime accusations are never something to be taken lightly. On top of the substantial repercussions they could have in the context of criminal prosecution, sex crime allegations can have harmful consequences in your personal and professional life, even if you are never formally charged or convicted. Managing both these aspects of cases like this in a proactive manner can be challenging for any defendant, whether you have faced criminal charges before or have never seen a courtroom anywhere but on TV.
Put simply, this is not a situation you should try handling without first contacting an expert criminal defense attorney to represent you in your case. Rossen Law Firm is here to help. We know that sometimes bad things happen to good people, and we believe in fighting for your rights and your future. An expert South Florida sex crimes lawyer is ready to get to work for you, so call our Fort Lauderdale office today to get started.
The term “sex crime” is a colloquial one used to refer to several distinct criminal offenses that all involve unlawful sexual behavior. The most common statute these offenses are prosecuted under is Florida Statutes §794.011, which defines “sexual battery” as penetration of someone else’s mouth, anus, or female genitals with a sexual organ or any other object, without consent and without any bona fide medical purpose. Lack of consent in this context can mean any of the following:
However, sex crime charges are not always violent in nature, nor are they always classified as felonies like sexual battery is. For example, prostitution may be categorized as a misdemeanor for a first offense under Fla. Stat. §796.07, as may indecent exposure under Fla. Stat. §800.03. As a South Florida sex crimes attorney can explain, repeat offenders charged with what would otherwise be misdemeanor sex offenses, may have their new charges classified as felonies based on their criminal history.
Past criminal history is not the only aggravating factor that can impact the severity of a sex crime in terms of possible sanctions. For example, sexual battery committed by one person over 18 against another person over 18 is considered a first-degree felony, but offenses targeting younger individuals may be prosecuted as life felonies or even capital felonies. Conversely, statutory rape of a person between 16 and 18 years old by a person between 18 and 23 years old is considered a misdemeanor, whereas it would usually be a felony for a defendant over 24.
Ultimately, this means that the right defense strategy for one person facing sex crime charges will likely be distinct from the right strategy for someone else, even if both parties were facing the same basic charge. Speaking with a top sex crimes lawyer in South Florida is the best way to ensure that your situation is handled in the most proactive and effective way possible.
Sex offenses are prosecuted harshly in both criminal court and the court of public opinion in Florida. Without a knowledgeable defense attorney from Rossen Law Firm on your side, you will have significant trouble avoiding life-altering consequences from your case, let alone achieving a favorable final resolution from it.
A Fort Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer at Rossen Law Firm can explain your rights and review possible defense options in detail during a free strategy session. Schedule yours by calling today.
Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.
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