Florida Sex Crime Laws Explained

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Florida, your reputation, livelihood, and freedom are at stake. Florida sex crime laws are harsh and unforgiving, making it difficult to plead your case in court. With so much on the line, it is important to have an in-depth comprehension of the updated Florida sex crime laws. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about the laws pertaining to your case.

Florida State Sex Crime Laws

Sex crime laws refer to an array of specific crimes. In Florida, this can range from meaning anything from rape to indecent exposure. Let’s begin by classifying a few important terms.

• Sexual battery. Also commonly referred to as rape, sexual battery is penetration or union with the sexual organs of an individual. This is considered criminal activity when one individual does not consent to the act.
• Prostitution. Using the body for sexual activity as a means of financial gain.
• Indecent exposure. Exposing a person’s sexual organs in private or in public in a vulgar or indecent manner.
• Lewd or lascivious battery. This can take form in multiple ways by either engaging in sexual activity with a person between the ages of 12 and 16 or encouraging or forcing a person below the age of 16 to engage in any form of sexual activity.
• Child pornography. Any images or media involving children or minors engaged in sexual activity.

Understanding the parameters and definition of your charge can help you and your lawyer build a strong defense and protect your rights.

Penalties and Sentencing

In Florida, the penalties an individual receives for sex crimes depend on the severity and nature of the specific crime they committed. Some offenses that are considered less severe may only be classified as misdemeanors, while others can be classified as significant felonies.

Prostitution and indecent exposure are examples of crimes that may not be considered serious enough to warrant a felony charge. An individual convicted of such crimes may receive a misdemeanor conviction with minimal sentencing, including jail time and fines. However, it should be noted that even misdemeanor sex crimes still require sex offender registration.

Some sex crimes, such as child pornography or other sexual crimes involving minors, are immediately considered felonies. This is due to the dangerous criminal nature involving children. In these cases, a convicted offender may serve up to a lifetime in prison without parole and be required to pay heavy fines.

Probation Laws for Sexual Offenders

In some cases, a convicted sexual offender may be given certain freedoms under a parole sentence. This means they may be able to live on their own, obtain and maintain a job, and live their lives somewhat normally. There are restrictions set in place, however. This may include the following:

• A mandatory curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. If the offender has a job that requires them to work during these hours, a different 8-hour curfew period may be set by the court.
• A prohibition of living and working within a certain set distance from schools, playgrounds, daycares, or any other location where children typically gather.
• Participation in and completion of a sex offender treatment program.

FAQs

What Are the Sex Crimes Laws in Florida?

In Florida, a sexual offense is any sexual act committed or forced without the consent of the other person. Sexual offenses are also considered criminal if they involve minors, whether consent was present or not. Depending on the nature and severity of the crime, a sexual offense may be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. There are a variety of acts that can be considered sexual crimes, such as rape, child pornography, sexual assault, indecent exposure, and others.

What Restrictions Do Sex Offenders Have in Florida?

There are multiple restrictions that sex offenders have in Florida. The specific restrictions may vary depending on the offender’s criminal background. Some restrictions an offender may experience include the absence of voting privileges, restrictions regarding whether they may visit a park, playground, school, or other area where children are present, and more. If an offender previously worked in one of these places, they will no longer be allowed to hold such a job.

Is it a Crime to Pay for Sex in Florida?

According to Florida state law, it is illegal to solicit prostitution and is generally classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. Individuals who are convicted of such crimes may face penalties such as fines and jail time. Related activities such as recruiting clients to act as prostitutes and making financial gains from their services, encouraging someone to offer prostitution services, and others are also classified as criminal activity and are punishable by law.

What Are the Penalties for Sex Offenders in Florida?

The specific penalties that a sex offender in Florida receives are dependent on the details of their crime. Basic penalties can include fines, jail time, mandatory sex registration, probation, and loss of community privileges. Depending on the severity of the crime, a sex offender may receive life in prison or may be released after a short time with restrictions on where they can live. Factors such as victimology and severity of the crime affect these penalties.

Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

If you are searching for criminal defense services in Florida, our team at the Law Offices of Donald P. Day is a strategic choice. We have many years of experience in handling sex crimes defense cases and understand the complexities of these situations. We will fight for you and your rights before, during, and after your court appearance. You can trust us with your reputation and legal needs.

Contact our office today to learn more about how we can guide you through this trying time. Building a strong defense against a sex crimes charge is no easy task, but we are ready and equipped to help. We will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have a great chance of winning your case. We will take your case seriously and handle it with the utmost precision and care.