Tampa Sex Crimes Attorney
Have you been arrested or accused of a sex crime? Call the Tampa Sex Crime Criminal Defense Attorneys of Fernandez & at (813) 229-5353.
What is a sex crime?
A sex crime is a criminal offense that is sexual in nature or that involves an illegal sex act. While there is a vast array of crimes a person can commit, none seem to carry as negative a stigma as a sexual offense. When a person is charged with a sexual offense, they automatically get labeled as a “sex offender” or “deviant even if they are innocent.” This is especially true in cases where the alleged victim is a minor (below the legal age of 18).
Penalties for Sexual Offenses
A sex crime conviction in Florida will result in harsh penalties. These penalties may range from a short sentence in county jail to a lifetime in prison. In Florida, Life is Life A lawyer will be able to offer valuable advice on what to expect and what to do at this point to avoid these penalties. In the face of prejudice and a predisposition to assume guilt from jury members, law enforcement and the media, an aggressive Tampa lawyer can still effectively defend his or her client’s rights and help them avoid a conviction and thus the penalties associated with this.
Without an experienced lawyer, there is nothing standing between you and the maximum penalties for your offense. This may mean sex offender registration, years or even a lifetime in prison, fines and more. Your freedom, rights and future are at stake so be sure you do everything you can to protect these things by working with a Tampa criminal lawyer quickly.
Only a skilled lawyer will be able to give you honest, helpful counsel regarding your charges. From the onset of these charges, they will be able to advise you on what to and not do in order to help your case and begin building a defense.
Even initial police questioning without a defense attorney present could greatly affect the outcome of your case. It is best to take as many preventative measures as possible by working with a lawyer as soon as possible. Our firm will provide a number of valuable services to a person who has been charged with a sex crime in Florida.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Investigating the charges brought against the client
- Conducting an independent analysis of evidence
- Working with forensic, DNA and psychological experts
- Locating and interviewing witnesses to corroborate the client’s side of the story
- Proving a sex crime accusation is false – by showing the alleged victim had motive
- Developing a strong plan of action for the client’s defense
- Keeping the client informed at every step of the case
- Negotiating with the prosecuting attorney to receive lessened charges
- Litigating the case in criminal court in front of a jury
- Appealing a sex crime conviction
If law enforcement is investigating or if you have been arrested and accused of a sex crime, call Tampa criminal defense sex attorney Daniel Fernandez at (813) 229-5353.
Florida Penalties
Following are several sex crimes, and their penalties, as under Florida law. These are the maximum penalties for these offenses. An attorney may be able to, when involved in a case early enough, represent their client and prove that the charges are based off false accusations or that there is not enough evidence to hold the client responsible for the crime. Whatever the strategy, the ultimate goal of the Tampa criminal attorneys from our law firm is to ensure our clients do not receive maximum penalties for their charge.
Sexual Assault
- Against a Person Over 12, Without Violence or Force: 15 Years in Prison and/or $10,000 Fine
- Against a Person Over 12, with the Threat or Use of a Deadly Weapon: Life in Prison
- Against a Person Under 12, Causing Injury to Sexual Organs: Death Sentence or Life in Prison
Statutory Rape
- Depending on the Age of the Victim: Up to 15 Years in Prison and/or $10,000 Fine
Child Molestation
- Depending on the Age of the Victim: Life in Prison / 15 Years in Prison
Child Pornography
- Possession: 5 Years in State Prison, per Piece of Material
- Production / Distribution: 15 Years in State Prison
Prostitution / Solicitation
- First Offense: Up to 60 Days in Jail
- Second Offense: Up to 1 Year in Jail
- Third Offense: Up to 5 Years in State Prison
Lewd Conduct / Indecent Exposure
- Depending on the Age of the Victim: 5 or 15 Years in State Prison
If you have been charged with a crime alleging sexual misconduct call your Tampa criminal defense lawyer Daniel Fernandez at Fernandez & (813) 229-5353
