Due to the highly emotional nature of sex crimes cases, they are often highly publicized and pursued aggressively by law enforcement and prosecutors in Florida. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Fort Lauderdale, you will likely be facing harsh prosecution, negative societal stigmas, and daunting punishments in the event of a conviction. To protect your rights and ensure the best outcome in your case, it is highly advised that you contact an experienced Ft. Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced defense attorney can advocate on your behalf and help make sure you understand what to expect. En Español.
Sex Crimes Offenses
Anyone facing a sex crimes charge in Ft Lauderdale is likely to feel overwhelmed, confused, and possibly even helpless to defend themselves. The prospect of heavy fines, prison time, and general reputational repercussions that come with a sex crimes conviction can be extremely daunting.
Experienced sex crimes attorneys understand the stakes involved in a conviction, and will work with clients each step of the way to ensure the best possible outcome in every case. Skilled attorneys have experience defending a variety of Ft Lauderdale sex crimes cases, including, but not limited to:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual abuse
- Child pornography
- Indecent exposure
- Solicitation
Building a viable defense requires expertise that only a Ft Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer can provide. It is especially beneficial to seek the help of a Broward County attorney who has experience in the Ft Lauderdale court system, since they will understand the potential nuances in persuading a given judge or jury in an individual’s case.
Florida Laws Regarding Sex Crimes
As in the rest of the United States, sex crimes in Florida typically come with harsh judicial penalties that often involve high fines and/or jail time. Most sex crimes cases are considered felonies, meaning prison sentences and fines increase substantially as the severity of the crime increases.
Individuals convicted of committing sex crimes in Fort Lauderdale are usually required to be entered into the sex offender registry for life and miss out on many civil liberties. For example, they are not allowed to own a gun nor vote in government elections. A conviction could also ruin a person’s personal life, potentially barring them from living in certain areas where there are schools are specific jobs involving children. Lastly, their sex crime(s) would be available for the general public to see online.
It is important for anyone charged with a sex crime to hire a Ft. Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer who can aggressively defend them in order to avoid conviction or reduce possible penalties.
What is Sexual Assault?
In Florida, the legal term for rape is sexual battery, and it carries different penalties depending on the age of the offender and victim. The maximum penalty a person age 18 or older can receive for a sexual battery conviction is life in prison, if the victim was under the age of 12. The maximum penalty is reduced if the victim is older than age twelve – up to thirty years in prison – and a substantial fine.
What is the Sex Offender Registry?
Anyone who has been convicted of a sex crime in Florida will most likely be legally obligated to register with the Florida sex offender registry, with the length of time on the registry dependent on the severity of the crime.
The registry is open to the public and reveals details about a person’s name, physical appearance, place of residence and employment, and more. Depending on the offense, offenders must update this information at their county sheriff’s office either twice or four times per year.
How a Sex Crimes Attorney in Ft Lauderdale Can Help
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Ft Lauderdale, it is important to take your case very seriously and ensure your rights are protected. Hiring a skilled Broward County sex crimes attorney is an essential step in preventing a sex crimes conviction on your record. Take the initiative and consult with an experienced Ft Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer today.