Sex crimes carry a particular stigma, and just being accused of a sex crime can permanently damage your reputation and effect your education, employment, and housing opportunities. If law enforcement is investigating you for a sex crime in Tequesta, you should plan your next steps in order to avoid a potential conviction.
One of our well-versed Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert can assist you as you undergo investigation and make sure you do not say anything self-incriminating. If you have been charged, reach out to a Tequesta sex crimes lawyer today.
What Acts Are Considered Sex Crimes?
Florida law offers several examples of activities that do not involve non-consensual sexual contact but may be prosecuted as sex crimes. Under certain circumstances, urinating outdoors or in a public space can be prosecuted as a sex crime. Florida Statute § 800.03 classifies exposing the sex organs in a public place as a first-degree Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year of incarceration. Similarly, voyeurism—secretly observing a person’s body or undergarments when they have an expectation of privacy—is also a first-degree Misdemeanor that may result in jail time upon conviction.
Conviction of a Sex Crime Can Have Life-Long Consequences
Conviction of a sex crime may trigger the need to register as a sex offender. The offender’s name, address, and photograph will be available to the public in an online searchable database, and the registrant must provide the sheriff with additional information such as where they work and live.
Being listed in the sex offender database can impact the registrant’s ability to secure housing, potential employment opportunities, or enroll in college and of course, carry a firearm. A Tequesta attorney experienced in sex crime cases may be able to limit a person’s exposure to these serious consequences.
What are the Consequences of Being Labeled a Sexual Predator?
Florida Statute § 775.21 designates certain convicted Felons as Sexual Predators. Anyone convicted of a sex crime as a repeat offender, or convicted of using violence in the perpetration of a sex crime, or who commits certain sex crimes against persons under the age of 16, can be deemed a Sexual Predator under this law. A person convicted of crimes involving child pornography, or of committing lewd acts on a child or an elderly or disabled adult, is also potentially subject to the Sexual Predator designation.
Persons who are labelled Sexual Predators face longer terms of imprisonment. Once they have completed their sentences, specially trained probation officers will supervise oversee their probation. A person labelled a Sexual Predator must provide significant information to the Sex Offender Registry, may be barred from using social media and from accessing certain websites and internet platforms, and is prohibited from working with children in either a paid or volunteer capacity or places where children are known to congregate, like schools or parks.
Contact a Tequesta Sex Crimes Attorney Today
Being convicted of a sex crime is something that can impact every aspect of your life. The stakes are high, so you should give yourself the best opportunity at obtaining a favorable outcome to your case.
Consulting early with an attorney who regularly deals with sex crimes charges can benefit you through every stage of the process. Call today to discuss your situation with an experienced Tequesta sex crimes lawyer.
