The ramifications of a conviction for a sex crime under state law can be extremely grave and life-altering. With a sex offense on your criminal history, you likely will have difficulties finding employment, housing, and more. A Deerfield Beach sex crimes Lawyer can be a vital part of building of a strong defense to the charges that you are facing.
Even after you have served your sentence for a sex offense, you may be required to register as a sex offender, perhaps for life. This social stigma follows you wherever you go and can drastically impact your everyday life on a personal and professional level. By enlisting the assistance of one our skilled Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert, you may be able to avoid or reduce some of the potential repercussions stemming from sex crimes charges. To learn more, or to get started, call now.
Sex Crimes in Deerfield Beach
State law provides for various sex offenses, which vary considerably in the severity of the charges and the accompanying penalties. Some sex offenses are Misdemeanors, which carry the potential for less than one year in jail, amongst other penalties. As a Deerfield Beach sex crimes Lawyer can advise, more severe sex offenses are Felonies, which can result in years in prison and other harsh sanctions.
What is Sexual Battery?
Fla. Stat. § 794.11 establishes the crime of sexual battery, which makes it illegal to engage in any penetration or union of sexual organs with others in specific circumstances. The charges and penalties that can result from sexual battery range widely according to the circumstances surrounding the offense and the ages of the parties involved in the crime. In the most severe cases, sexual battery can result in capital or life Felonies, such as when individuals over the age of 18 commit sexual battery against a child under the age of 12 and injure their sexual organs.
Unlawful Sexual Activity
Under Fla. Stat. § 794.05, unlawful sexual activity occurs when individuals over the age of 24 participate in sexual activity with individuals who are 16 or 17. This second-degree Felony offense can cause a prison term of up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine.
Lewd and Lascivious Battery
Fl. Stat. § 800.04 establishes the offense of lewd and lascivious battery, which happens when sexual activity occurs between adults and individuals who are between the ages of 12 and 16. Lewd and lascivious battery, which can be a first or second-degree Felony, also occurs when people force or encourage children under age 16 to engage in prostitution, sadomasochistic abuse, or other illicit sexual activities.
Lewdness and Indecent Exposure
Committing unnatural and lascivious acts with others, according to Fla. Stat. § 800.02, is a second-degree Misdemeanor. On the other hand, indecent exposure when individuals expose their sexual organs to others in a vulgar and indecent manner or are naked in public, is regarded as a first-degree Misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. § 800.03.
What are the Consequences of Deerfield Beach Sex Crimes?
As these examples of sex offenses under state law illustrate, the charges and penalties for these crimes may range from low-level Misdemeanor offenses to capital Felonies. Some of the factors that may impact the level of the charges and resulting penalties include:
- The use of a deadly weapon in committing the crime
- The level of force used to carry out the offense
- Any injuries that result from the crime
Individuals can face severe consequences, including the death penalty in extreme cases. Fines for these offenses can range from less than $500 to $15,000. As a result, consulting a Deerfield Beach sex crimes Lawyer can be vital to the ability of individuals to safeguard themselves from these penalties.
Even after individuals have served their sentences for sex offenses, they may be subject to mandatory sex offender registration. Inclusion in a public registry can subject individuals to significant stigma and restrictions. State laws and local ordinances may also strictly limit where sex offenders may work, live, and be present.
Call a Deerfield Beach Sex Crimes Attorney for Advice
Individuals convicted of a sex offense face different and more extensive challenges than other individuals who are convicted of crimes. Their punishment essentially can extend for years beyond their conviction, long after they have completed their sentences and moved on with their lives. These troubling consequences can make it even more crucial to contact a Deerfield Beach sex crimes Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert when facing these types of charges.
While the need of society to protect children and other alleged victims of sex offenses is great, a single mistake can significantly impact the rest of your life. A sex offense conviction can leave you with little opportunity to redeem yourself and positively reenter society. Schedule a consultation today to start building a defense.
