Sex Crimes Lawyer Ocala
There’s nothing more damaging to your reputation than a conviction for a sex crime. Within just a few weeks, you could find yourself ineligible for some housing opportunities, unable to find a job, and struggling to support yourself. Your friends, neighbors, and co-workers can also see that you’re part of a sex offender registry, damaging your relationships and quality of life.
You are innocent until proven guilty, and Meldon Law wants to help you stay that way. A sex crimes lawyer from our team serving Ocala can prove your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt and fight for your future. Begin a free case review when you call (352) 373-8000.
What Constitutes a Sex Crime in Ocala, Florida?
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. Our Ocala criminal defense lawyers fight charges regarding:
- 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
The prosecution will do everything possible to prove your guilt and impose the harshest sentence. Our job is to refute their allegations and build the strongest possible defense.
Our Sex Crimes Lawyers Protect You From These Penalties
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 alleged victim, and other factors.
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.
You could lose years of your life with a sex crime conviction. We don’t want that to happen. With our criminal defense team, you get an advocate who prioritizes your future, freedom, and reputation above all else.
We Fight the Collateral Damage of a Sex Crimes Conviction
On top of the penalties listed above, a conviction can also result in:
- Damage to your community standing
- Job loss
- The inability to work in certain occupations (such as with children)
- Registration as a sex offender
- A permanent criminal record
- The loss of educational opportunities
- The loss of scholarships or other government assistance
Even if you think the prosecution has overwhelming evidence of your guilt, think again. You are not guilty until a jury of your peers finds you guilty, meaning you still have time to preserve your future.
How Does an Ocala Sex Crimes Lawyer Fight Cases?
The job of any criminal defense lawyer is to build reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury about the state’s allegations. That means they must take a critical look at the evidence in each specific case and figure out how to attack its weaknesses.
If there are discrepancies between the police report and the complaining witnesses’ testimony, your sex crimes lawyer will point this out during their cross-examination. If we have reason to believe that the arresting officer infringed on your rights, we can move to have any evidence they gathered barred from the trial.
You Want a Defense Lawyer Who Won’t Back Down
Sex crimes are a sensitive subject, and they bring out strong emotions for everyone involved. With that said, you still have a right to a fair trial and an attorney who will defend you to the best of their abilities. Meldon Law’s official motto is “Won’t Back Down,” and we take it seriously. No matter what charges you’re facing, your sex crimes attorney will defend you with diligence, passion, and toughness.
We will:
- Create and execute a defense strategy
- Interview witnesses
- Communicate with the involved parties
- Evaluate securing a plea deal (if possible/necessary)
- Represent you at trial
- Motion to have improperly gathered evidence removed
- Advise you on your rights
The technical aspects of cases are as important as what happens inside the courtroom. You won’t have to worry about these details when Meldon Law represents your case, though. We strive to offer peace of mind during this challenging period. By handling everything, you can focus your attention on spending time with loved ones.
Defenses We Employ for Ocala Defendants
The details of our defense strategy depend on the facts of your case. For instance, if you were charged with sexual assault, we can establish an alibi, showing that you could not have possibly committed the crime because you were at a different location. In another situation, if you had sex with a minor, we can assert that you didn’t know their real age.
We Aim for the Best Possible Outcome
A “not guilty” verdict in your case is ideal. That way, you wouldn’t face prison time, fines, or other penalties associated with a conviction. We do everything in our power to instill reasonable doubt in the jury’s mind and secure your freedom.
In situations where a “not guilty” verdict isn’t possible, we may:
- Aim to have your charges reduced to a lesser offense
- Fight for a plea deal that spares you the stress of a trial
- Motion to have your charges dropped
We will not rest until we’ve secured justice.
Get a Case Consultation with Our Ocala Sex Crimes Team
Being arrested for sex crimes is one of the most perilous legal situations you can find yourself in. No matter how serious the charges are, it’s important to understand that you have options, and there is a way to fight your case. However, the clock is ticking on your freedom from the minute you’re arrested. Because of what’s at stake, we encourage you to consult with our criminal justice lawyers.
Meldon Law offers case consultations for anyone who thinks they may benefit from our services. Contact us today at (352) 373-8000. We’ll listen with an open mind and explain how we can help you.
