Sex Crimes Attorneys Serving Sarasota, Tampa, Charlotte, Pinellas, Polk, and Hillsborough Counties
Sex Crimes
A sex crime allegation can damage your life and lead to serious legal ramifications. Even false allegations can place restrictions on your way of living and ruin your reputation among your family, friends, and peers. Sex crimes are illegal sexual activities as defined by law. Common sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
While these sex crimes vary in nature, they are all considered very serious offenses, and are prosecuted severely by Florida District Attorneys. Most sex crimes are prosecuted as felonies, which means that a conviction can result in maximum legal penalties.
Sex Crime Penalties
The penalties for sex crimes vary, but typically depend upon the severity and the type of crime committed. People who are convicted of a sexual offense may be subject to imprisonment, monetary fines, community service, probation, forced rehabilitative therapy, and mandatory enlistment on Florida's Sexual Offender Registry.
Often times, these penalties can be enhanced if:
- Mitigating or aggravating circumstances are present.
- You are currently on parole or probation.
- The victim is below the legal age of consent.
- You have prior convictions/sexual offense convictions.
Aside from the legal consequences, people convicted of sex crimes will have a damaged criminal record. A sex crime conviction on a person's criminal record can lead to a loss of employment, housing, and educational opportunities. People who are convicted of a sex crime may also face societal discrimination and may be subject to negative stereotypes.
Sex Crime Defenses
Despite implications, you are innocent until you are proven guilty by a court of law. If you are charged with a sex crime, there are many defenses available to you. The Florida District Attorney has the burden of proving your guilt. If you are able to counteract the prosecution's allegations, you can establish your innocence. You may be able to prove your innocence if the prosecution has insufficient evidence or a lack of physical evidence. There may also be a lack of witnesses, or you may be able to prove that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity.
When faced with a sex crime charge, it is always wise to consider these possible defenses. The first step in building your defense should involve speaking with a reputable criminal defense attorney. Our law offices can inform you of your options, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights from being violated during this sensitive time. If you have been charged with a sex crime, please call us to discuss your case.
Contact us about your legal matter today!