Sex Crimes Attorney in Pensacola, FL

Florida Sex Crimes Laws: Charges & Penalties

A sex crime involves one person forcing sexual acts on another or sexually abusing them psychologically or with physical manipulation. There are many sex crimes in Florida, and their penalties depend on the crime’s severity and any mitigating or aggravating factors.

Examples of Sex Crimes in Florida

Florida takes sexual offenses seriously. Most of them are felony offenses that can result in significant time in prison and other consequences. Some commonly charged sex crimes in Florida include:

• Sexual Conduct with a Minor
• Sexual Assault/Sexual Battery
• Child Trafficking
• Sex Trafficking
• Prostitution and Solicitation
• Child Molestation
• Rape
• Indecent Exposure
• Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
• Public Sexual Indecency
• Internet Sex Crimes
• Sexting a Minor
• Incest
• Harassment
• Possession of Child Pornography

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Florida

The criminal penalties you will face if you are convicted of a sex crime depend on several factors, including:

• The age of the alleged victim
• The specific sexual activity
• The severity of the offense
• The relationship with the alleged victim
• Prior convictions

The specific penalties you face will depend on the level of misdemeanor or felony your crime is classified as. Some potential penalties include:

• Imprisonment: Sex crimes can result in a range of prison sentences, from a few months to several decades. The length of the sentence will depend on the severity of the crime, criminal history, and other factors.
• Probation: Probation is a period of supervision that allows you to live in the community instead of going to prison. However, you must follow specific rules and conditions, such as avoiding contact with the alleged victim and participating in counseling.
• Fines: Sex crimes can also result in fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
• Sex Offender Registration: Sex offenders are required to register with the state of Florida. This means that they must provide their name, address, and other identifying information to the state. Sex offenders must also keep the state updated on their whereabouts and any changes to their information.

In addition to the above penalties, sex offenders may also be subject to other restrictions, such as being prohibited from owning firearms or living near schools or parks.

Florida Sex Crimes: Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors in Florida sex crimes cases are circumstances that make the crime more severe and can increase your sentence. Some common aggravating factors in sex crimes cases include:

• The alleged victim was a minor.
• The alleged victim was particularly vulnerable.
• You used violence or force against the alleged victim.
• You threatened the alleged victim or their family.
• You caused severe physical or emotional harm to the alleged victim.
• You committed the crime in a public place.
• You had a prior conviction for a sex crime.

In addition to the above aggravating factors, other circumstances may make a sex crime more severe. For example, if you committed a crime against multiple victims or if you used a weapon, these may be considered aggravating factors.

Your Florida Sex Crimes Defense Options

While sex crimes charges can seem overwhelming, you do have options for building a solid defense. With the help of a sex crimes lawyer in Pensacola, you can develop a defense strategy. Some possible defenses to the charges against you might include:

The Victim Consented

If the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, you should not be convicted of a sex crime. However, it is essential to note that consent must be freely given and cannot be obtained through force, coercion, or fraud.

There Are False Accusations

In some cases, the alleged victim may falsely accuse you of a sex crime. This can happen for various reasons, such as revenge, jealousy, or mental illness.

There Was a Lack of Intent

If you did not intend to commit a sex crime, then you should not be convicted of a sex crime. For example, if you accidentally touched the victim’s private parts, you may not be guilty of sexual assault.

There Was a Mistaken Identity

In some cases, the alleged victim may misidentify you as the perpetrator of the crime. This could happen if the crime occurred in low light or if the perpetrator wore a mask.

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

If you were insane at the time of the crime, you cannot be convicted of a sex crime. Insanity is a legal term that means that the defendant could not understand the nature of their actions or to conform their conduct to the law.