Sarasota Sex Crime Lawyer

Sarasota Sex Crime Attorney

Sex crimes are a type of criminal offense that occurs when one person sexually abuses another or instigates a forced sexual encounter with them. The act can involve physical or psychological manipulation. If you were recently arrested for sexual assault, rape, or another sex crime in Sarasota, you can rely on the services of a Sarasota sex crime lawyer from Ruhl & Lux, P.A.

With the right legal defense, you could have the penalties related to your case reduced. In some cases, your lawyer can work to have your charges dropped altogether.

Common Types of Sex Crimes in Sarasota

Any crime of a sexual nature in Sarasota, FL is categorized as a sex crime. Some crimes are violent, while others are completely non-violent in nature. Sex crime laws often come with serious penalties. One of the most consequential outcomes of a sex crime is simply having a sex crime on your record and having to enroll in the state’s sex crime registry.

• Sexual Battery: Under Florida law, sexual battery is defined as any non-consensual penetration of the oral, anal, or female genital areas, especially when conducted through force.
• Prostitution: Under Florida law, a person who offers or engages in sexual activity in exchange for a fee can be arrested and charged with prostitution.
• Statutory Rape: According to Florida law, an adult may be charged with statutory rape if they engage in any sexual act with a minor, even when the sexual activity is consensual. Florida is one of many states that have so-called Romeo and Juliet laws, which decriminalize certain consensual acts committed between teenagers.
• Child Pornography: The state’s child pornography law defines the crime as possessing, producing, or distributing pictures or videos of a minor engaged in sexual activity.
• Lewd and Lascivious Battery: Under Florida law, this offense occurs when a person engages in sexual activity with a minor aged 12 to 16 or coerces a minor under 16 into various illegal sexual acts.
• Indecent Exposure: A person may face indecent exposure charges if they publicly display or expose their sexual organs in a manner that is considered indecent or vulgar.

No matter what type of sex crime you are accused of, having an experienced sex crime attorney by your side can improve the outcome of your case. Law enforcement can make assumptions that are not based on a thorough examination of the evidence.

Criminal Defenses Against Sex Crime Allegations

Many Florida sex crimes are based on consent. Many sexual acts that are criminalized when consent is not involved would be lawful sexual acts if the defendant can prove that both parties consented to the act. A criminal defense attorney can work to show that both parties consented to the sexual act at the time it occurred.

Mistaken identity can be another defense. When the defendant can prove that they were wrongfully identified as the perpetrator, possibly through mistaken witness testimony or faulty identification procedures, the prosecutor’s case may be greatly weakened.

Sex crimes can be based on false accusations. Revenge or financial gain can motivate people to make accusations that are untrue. This can be especially true when the victim and defendant know each other.

A sex crime attorney can also scrutinize the prosecutor’s evidence. When witness statements are contradictory, that can be the reasonable doubt that unravels the state’s case. Another potential defense is an alibi defense. If the defendant can place themselves away from the scene of the crime, that can prove that they did not commit the crime that they are accused of.

Sex Crimes Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Is the Law for Sex Crimes in Florida?

A: Anyone who commits a sex crime in Florida violates the state’s penal code. If the accused pleads guilty or is found to be guilty, they will have either a misdemeanor or a felony on their criminal record. The penalty for a sex crime depends on the offense that was committed. Non-violent sex crimes, like indecent exposure, are misdemeanors for first-time offenders, while sexual assault is an automatic felony if convicted.

Q: What Is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Florida?

A: Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law reduces the criminal consequences for minors who are close in age and engage in consensual sex. Minors who qualify can avoid statutory rape charges. The laws do not protect someone over 18 from having sex with someone under 18. Many states have adopted similar laws that are generally known as Romeo and Juliet laws.

Q: What Is the Average Sentence for a Sex Offender in Florida?

A: Due to the wide range of potential criminal charges that are considered sex crimes, sentences can range from as light as a fee and probation to jail time or a prison sentence. Anyone with a history of committing sex crimes may face serious penalties. Aggravating circumstances, like assault of a minor or physical violence, can lead to more serious penalties.

Q: What Can My Defense Attorney Do for Me?

A: Sex crimes require prosecutors to prove that the victim did not consent to the sexual act. That is one area that your defense attorney can scrutinize. When sexual battery or another violent crime is the criminal offense in question, a criminal defense attorney can explore the possibility that the victim misidentified the accused.

Q: What Is Considered a Sex Crime in Florida?

A: In Florida, sex crimes include a variety of unlawful sexual behaviors that are defined and categorized by specific state statutes. The penalties for these crimes can be severe. They frequently involve lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and heavy fines. The precise penalties depend on the specific offense, the circumstances of the crime, and any prior criminal record, among other considerations.

Schedule Your Sex Crime Criminal Defense Consultation Today

Any legal defense against sex crime accusations requires a strategic approach. A conviction could have life-altering consequences. You could face long imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, a criminal record, and other serious consequences. Hiring a reliable criminal defense attorney is crucial for effective guidance and creating a compelling defense strategy.

For over 15 years, Ruhl & Lux, P.A., has provided effective legal services, protecting individuals charged with sex crimes. Our attorneys can guide you through the Florida criminal justice system with the goal of keeping a sex crime offense off your record. To schedule your consultation with our firm, contact our office today.