Bonita Springs Sex Crime Lawyer

Bonita Springs Sex Crime Attorney

Being accused of a sex crime is a serious offense in the state of Florida. Sex crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, but all of them carry heavy consequences. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Florida, you should consider hiring a Bonita Springs sex crime lawyer to help you fight the charges. An experienced attorney can help you prove your innocence or defend your case.

What Is a Sex Crime?

A sex crime is a crime that involves a sexual act, whether it is physical or not. Sex crimes can be between peers, intimate partners, family members, or even between adults and children. No matter who the crime involves, sex crimes are treated severely and can cause life-long damage to victims. Here are examples of sex crimes that come with charges.

• Sexual assault. Sexual assault occurs when one person initiates sexual acts with another person without their consent. This can include rape, groping, or inappropriate touching.
• Sexual abuse involving an authority figure. Sometimes, people in power use their authority to sexually assault or intimidate their subordinates. This can be a teacher sexually assaulting a student, a pastor fondling a member of his clergy, or a boss sexually exploiting an employee.
• Child pornography. Child pornography is the illegal possession, distribution, or manufacturing of visual depictions of sexual activities involving children. This can be a family member filming and distributing videos of a child showering or an adult taking pictures of children involved in sexual activities.
• Child molestation. Child molestation is sexual conduct involving children, whether physical or non-physical. An example can include a daycare member fondling the genitals of a child.
• Statutory rape. Statutory rape is unlawful, forcible sexual intercourse or rape of a minor. A minor is defined differently in each state, with some considering 16-year-olds as a minor while others consider 17- or 18-year-olds being minors.
• Prostitution. Prostitution, which involves trading sexual acts for money or compensation.
• Incest. Incest is the unlawful engaging of sexual acts between family members.
• Indecent exposure. Indecent exposure is the act of exposing private body parts or genitalia to the public, including performing sexual intercourse in public.

What Sex Crimes Are Felonies?

If a person is convicted of a sex crime in Bonita Springs, Florida, they most likely have to register as a sex offender. Failure to do so is considered a felony in Florida. Other felony sex crimes in Florida include sexual battery (sexual battery upon a child is considered capital sexual battery), human trafficking, and lewd and lascivious contact, among others.

What Are the Consequences of Being Convicted of a Sex Crime?

Beyond prison time and fines, there are several consequences for committing sex crimes. For one, sex criminals typically must register as sex offenders, and they also may lose job opportunities and educational opportunities, have weapons detained, and be on probation. We recommend that those charged with sex crimes hire an experienced lawyer to avoid these consequences.

How Much Does a Sex Crime Lawyer Cost in Florida?

The cost of a sex crime lawyer in Florida varies and is dependent upon three main factors: experience, location, and extent of the criminal case. Florida has a higher cost of living than most states, so lawyer fees are likely to be commensurate. Further, more prestigious, wealthy counties in Florida may have higher lawyer fees. Finally, the experience of the lawyer plays a large part in costs.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

If you believe you are innocent and can prove your innocence upon being charged with a sex crime, you should hire a lawyer immediately. A top-rated sex crime lawyer can argue your case and fight for your rights. You should also hire a lawyer if you are facing any prison time or if you have to pay expensive fines. Your lawyer may be able to lessen your sentence or lower the amount of fines you have to pay.

FAQs

What Restrictions Do Sex Offenders Have in Florida?

There are numerous restrictions that may be levied upon sex offenders in Florida. The most common restriction is having to register as a sex offender in their county, and this registration lasts a lifetime. Other restrictions include having to live a considerable distance from where children gather, such as schools, having a curfew, enrolling in treatment programs, and having no contact with victims.

What Are the New Sex Offender Laws in Florida 2024?

Because sex offenders have to register in the counties of their conviction, they may try to change residences, including living in their vehicles, to evade the law. To curb this, the new sex offender laws in Florida for 2024 make provisions. In addition to standing laws, the new laws provide for sex offenders having to register vehicles as well as transient residences. The new law also requires sex offenders to report international travel.

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

The average sentence for a sex offender in Florida depends on the severity of the crime. For instance, sexual battery, which is a combination of a sex crime and violence, is a felony and can have a sentence of up to 30 years imprisonment. Sexual abuse crimes have higher sentences, while sex crimes like statutory rape may have lower sentences.

Do Sex Offenders Have to Notify Neighbors in Florida?

No, sex offenders do not have to personally inform their neighbors of their status; however, under Megan’s law, sex offenders must inform law enforcement of any changes of address, and the public must be notified of violent sex offenders in their areas. Remember, sex offender registration is for life.

Contact the Law Office of Donald P. Day Today

Sex crimes are treated seriously in Florida and can result in long prison sentences or hefty fines. If you need representation after being charged with a sex crime, our law office would be happy to assist you. At the Law Office of Donald P. Day, we have the experience to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a consultation.