In Broward County sex crime cases, an arrest can have the power to impact your life indefinitely, and in profound ways.
A Florida sex crime conviction may require an individual to register themselves as a sex offender, which publicly broadcasts them as a criminal. Life prison sentences and heavy fines are also very real possibilities.
Even if you are falsely accused and never actually convicted of a crime, the damage to your reputation and family life may be irreparable. En Español.
Fortunately, contacting an experienced Broward County sex crimes attorney can give you the legal support you need. A knowledgeable criminal attorney in Broward County will fight to protect your rights, reach the best possible conclusion, and work to restore your reputation.
What Sex Offenses are Commonly Charged?
There are three general categories of sex crimes in Florida; lewd or lascivious acts, sexual battery, and statutory rape.
Lewd or lascivious acts involve any physical contact with a minor under the age of 16, and can involve battery, molestation, and lewd conduct or exhibition.
Sexual battery or rape involves sexual activity without consent, and may involve force, coercion, or incapacitation. Rape may also be charged when an authority figure, such as a police officer, takes advantage of their status and engages in non-consensual sex with another person.
Statutory rape is charged when a person 24 years of age or older engages in unlawful sexual activity with a minor who is 16 or 17 years old. This type of sexual act is often consensual, but it is considered statutory rape nonetheless.
Other types of sex crimes in Florida include:
- Traveling to meet a minor
- Sex trafficking
- Prostitution
- Child pornography
- Spousal rape
What are the Penalties Following a Sexual Offense Conviction in Broward County?
If convicted of a felony sex crime, an individual must register as a sex offender with the Sex Offender/Predator Registry, which puts their information in a database that is accessible to the public. Individuals must typically re-register every year, and anytime that they move.
Felony sex crimes also carry mandatory prison time—and can even lead to the death penalty—and placement on sex offender probation, which restricts where a person can live, where they can work, and often includes a curfew. To protect against such penalties, an individual should not hesitate before contacting a Broward County sex crimes attorney.
Role of an Attorney
Facing sex crime charges can feel overwhelming, terrifying, and embarrassing. Not only does a conviction come with serious penalties, but even just an allegation can hurt an individual’s reputation.
That is why immediately after being accused of a sex offense, it is important to begin working with a knowledgeable Broward County sex crimes attorney. In Florida, physical evidence is not necessarily needed for a sex offense conviction.
In fact, most sex-related crimes are based on the testimony of the accuser, or other witnesses. In cases like this, a a sex crimes lawyer in Broward County can help by:
- Investigating the accuser’s background
- Employing the help of a private investigator
- Interviewing and deposing witnesses
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiating plea bargains
If DNA and other physical evidence is involved in the case, a sex crimes attorney can also:
- Investigate how the DNA evidence was obtained and tested
- Find out who tested the evidence
Contact a Lawyer
You do not have to face a sex crime in Florida alone. A sex crimes lawyer in Broward County can help you avoid maximum penalties for alleged sex offenses such as statutory rape, prostitution, failing to register as a sex offender, spousal rape, and other crimes. Contact an attorney today to find out how they can help you get your life back on track.
