Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys in Ocala, Florida

Under Florida law, unlawful sexual contact, non-consensual sexual acts, and other illicit sexual activities are prohibited. A person convicted of a sex-related crime could be facing massive fines, lengthy incarceration, a criminal record, compulsory sex offender registration, and other severe consequences. If you have been arrested and charged with a sex offense, you need to hire a strategic Florida criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance and to uphold your rights. 

At Defend Ocala, our attorneys have the diligence, expertise, and resources to defend and represent clients in their sex crime cases. As your legal counsel, we can assess all of the facts of your case thoroughly and outline a solid defense strategy to help pursue your case. In addition, our dedicated legal team will fight aggressively for your rights and fight so that those accusations don't ruin your life. 

Defend Ocala proudly serves clients throughout Ocala, Florida, and surrounding areas throughout Marion County and Lake County, including Tavares, Clermont, Eustis, and Leesburg. 

Types of Sex-Related Crimes in Florida

A sex offense involves any unlawful or non-consensual sexual act, contact, or behavior committed by a person for sexual gratification. Some of the most common sex-related crimes in Florida are described below: 

Statutory Rape 

Under Florida law, statutory rape occurs when a person (18 years or older) engages in any sexual activity with a minor (a person below 18 years), even when the sexual act was consensual. 

Sexual Battery 

Furthermore, Florida statutes describe sexual battery as any kind of oral, anal, or female genital penetration that takes place without the lawful consent of the victim. 

Child Pornography 

According to Florida law, an individual may be facing child pornography charges for possessing, distributing, or producing a picture or video showing a minor engaged in sexual activity. 

Sexual Misconduct 

In Florida, sexual misconduct occurs when a person in a position of trust becomes involved in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable person. For instance, sexual interactions with a patient, disabled person, juvenile offender, or psychotherapist's client may be considered sexual misconduct. 

Prostitution 

According to Florida statutes, prostitution occurs when a person engages in sexual activity in exchange for payment. Though, the sexual activity may be consensual. Nonetheless, it is unlawful to solicit or offer prostitution in Florida. 

If you or someone you know is under investigation for a sex-related crime, you need to reach out to a trusted criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can assess the nature of your charges and determine the best course of action. 

Defining Consent

According to Florida statute, consent can be described as voluntarily, intelligently, and knowingly agreeing to partake in sexual activity with another person. In addition, the age of consent in the state of Florida is 18 years. As a result, a person under 18 years is unable to consent, and engaging in any sexual activity with a minor may result in criminal charges. 

Registering as a Sex Offender

Additionally, individuals who have been convicted or pleaded guilty to certain sex-related crimes in Florida are required to register as a sex offender after their release. Below are some sex crimes that require sex offender registration in Florida: 

• Sexual misconduct 

• Lewd and lascivious battery 

• Kidnapping a minor under 13 years 

• Sexual battery 

• Video voyeurism of a minor 

• Computer pornography 

• Buying or selling of minors 

• Enticing or luring a child 

• Child pornography 

• Human trafficking 

• False imprisonment of a minor below 13 years 

• Illegal sexual activity with minors 

Unfortunately, registering as a sex offender can jeopardize your future opportunities and make it increasingly difficult for you to get a new job, scholarship, housing, and financial loans. Therefore, hiring a reliable attorney is imperative to help fight your sex crime charges and keep your record clean. 

Possible Penalties

The punishments for sex-related crimes in Florida are usually devastating. Depending on the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and other mitigating or aggravating circumstances, a defendant convicted of a sex offense may be subject to: 

• Massive fines and court fees 

• Lengthy prison sentence (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• Probation 

• Mandatory registration as a sex offender 

• Community service 

• A criminal record/history 

• Restitution to the victim

• Loss of rights to carry, own, or possess a gun or firearm

• Increased difficulty in getting public assistance

• Possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States 

• Loss of voting rights

• Increased difficulty in securing certain financial loans

• Increased difficulty in getting new employment and accommodation

• Increased difficulty in getting educational opportunities and scholarships

• Damage to personal, familial, and professional relationships

• Loss of personal freedom and social prospects

A practiced Florida sex crimes defense attorney can intervene quickly and take preemptive actions to prevent a charge from being filed against you. Also, your attorney can help determine the right defenses to avoid or mitigate the far-reaching ramifications of a criminal conviction. 

Work With a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney

Accusations of sex crimes are devastating and could jeopardize your personal reputation, career, liberty, and future. Therefore, retaining a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is imperative to protect your legal rights and help build your defense when charged with a sex-related offense. 

At Defend Ocala, we're dedicated to offering aggressive representation and dedicated legal counsel to clients facing sex crime charges. As your legal counsel, we can investigate and evaluate your case details and craft a strong defense strategy to help fight your charges. In addition, our experienced team will fight to uphold your freedom and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.