Ocala Sex Crime Attorneys
Sex requires consent. Therefore, when a person tries to have sex with another adult or child, without their consent, it becomes a sex crime. Children cannot give consent, so a crime against a child that is sexual in nature will be punished harshly in Florida. A person can face serious penalties, including life in prison in some cases. A person can face other consequences as well. Therefore, if you have been accused of a sex crime, you need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Contact an Ocala sex crime attorney to help you defend yourself.
What is a Sex Crime?
A sex crime can be physical or psychological in nature. It is when any person (male or female) sexually abuses or forces others into sexual encounters. In Florida, the following are considered sex crimes:
- Rape
- Child molestation
- Child exploitation
- Child pornography
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Human trafficking
- Sex trafficking
- Internet and computer sex crimes
- Indecent exposure
- Lewd and lascivious crimes
- Pimping and pandering
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Sexting
- Stalking
- Voyeurism
- Bestiality
Penalties for Florida Sex Crimes
A conviction for a sex offense in Florida can result in a wide range of penalties. These penalties can vary depending on the type of offense, the age of the victim, whether a weapon was used, and whether the offender had any previous convictions.
Here are some of the penalties involved in sex crimes:
- Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.
- First-degree misdemeanor: One year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
- Third-degree felony: Five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
- Second-degree felony: 15 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
- First-degree felony: 30 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
- Life felony: 30 years to life in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
- Capital felony: Death sentence.
The two most common sex crimes in Florida are sexual battery and sexual assault. The average jail time for someone convicted of a sex crime is anywhere from six to 35 months in jail.
On top of these penalties, a person can face other consequences, such as:
- Damage to their reputation
- Job loss
- Inability to work in certain occupations
- Damaged relationships with friends and family and other social consequences
- Registration as a sex offender
- Permanent criminal record
- Loss of educational opportunities
- Loss of scholarships or other government funding
Contact an Ocala Sex Crimes Attorney Today
Sex crimes are punished severely in Florida. A person can face decades in prison and hefty fines. Upon their release from prison, they may spend the rest of their life on probation or as a registered sex offender.
There’s a lot at stake, so make sure you have the best defense possible. The attorneys at Meldon Law will help you reduce your penalties and get the best outcome possible. Speak with one of our Ocala sex crimes attorneys today by calling (800) 373-3000.
