Sex Crime Defense In Lake County

Types of Sex Crimes in Florida

Florida sex crime laws vary depending on the type of crime, the victim’s age, and the defendant’s record. Some common sex crimes in Florida and their potential penalties include:

Prostitution: Prostitution is engaging in sexual activity in exchange for a fee. Even though there might be consent from both parties, in Florida, it is illegal to offer or solicit prostitution. Prostitution is a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a up to a $500 fine. Penalties increase for subsequent offenses.

Indecent exposure: A non-forcible sex offense. As its name suggests, indecently exhibiting or exposing a person’s sexual organs in a public place (or the property of another person) is considered indecent exposure in Florida. Indecent exposure in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a up to $1,000 fine.

Sexual battery: Sexual battery is any type of penetration that takes place without the victim’s consent. In Florida, sexual battery is commonly referred to as rape or sexual assault. Sexual battery is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. Penalties can be increased in more severe cases.

Lewd or lascivious acts: Touching in a lustful manner or engaging in sexual activity with a minor under 16 years of age is considered lewd and lascivious in Florida. Given that a minor does not meet the age of consent, even if the act was consensual, a person can face criminal charges for the act. Penalties depend on the age of the victim and the nature of the act.

Child pornography: In Florida, possessing, producing, or distributing an image depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct is considered child pornography. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a child pornography offense can be prosecuted in Florida state or federal courts. Possession or transmission of child pornography is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

In addition to the penalties above, most Florida sex crime punishment includes sex offender probation and sex offender registration. The potential penalties involved in your case will depend on the facts and circumstances.

Failure to REgister as a sex offender

In Florida, most sex crime convictions require sex offender registration. The sex offender registry contains public record information on sexual predators and sexual offenders in Florida. Sex offender registration requires providing personal information, vehicle information, and details of convictions. Sex offenders must maintain registration for life, unless they are pardoned or their conviction is set aside.

Failing to register as a sex offender is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.