Florida Sex Crimes

The sex crime laws in Florida are stringent and harsh, with punishments that will dramatically impact your life. A conviction for a sex crime offense will lead to expensive fines and significant prison time. A sex crime offense on your record will also carry a social stigma affecting employment opportunities, housing, and, most likely, your relationships. If you or someone you know is being investigated or has been arrested for a sex crime, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible to advocate for your freedom. The attorneys at Hanlon Law have invaluable experience defending those in Orlando, Florida, accused of sex crimes. They will investigate the state’s evidence against you and the circumstances of your arrest in an effort to try to get the charges dropped or reduced. 

What are Florida Sex Crimes?

There are a variety of offenses that constitute a sex crime in Florida. In general, a sex offense is a non-consensual and unlawful sexual conduct or behavior. These crimes have varying charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the severity of the offense and use of force or threats. 

Sex offenses can be classified as forcible or non-forcible. A focible sex crime takes place without the consent of the victim and involves the use of violence or threats. A non-forcible sex crime does not entail any form of violence but is illegal because of the victim’s inability to give consent, such as minors or disabled adults. 

Types of Sex Crimes in Florida 

Here are some of the offenses that fall under the umbrella of a sex crime in Florida: 

• Prostitution: Under Florida Statutes Chapter 796, prostitution engages in sexual activity in exchange for compensation. Even if there is consent in the sexual act, offering or soliciting a prostitute is illegal. 
• Sexual Battery: Sexual battery, also known as rape or sexual assault, is any penetration without the victim’s consent. The Florida laws involving sexual battery can be found in Florida Statutes Chapter 794. 
• Child Pornography: It is illegal under Florida Statutes Chapter 827 to possess, produce, or distribute any imagery depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct. This offense may be charged at a state or federal level. 
• Indecent exposure: Indecently exhibiting or exposing a person’s sexual organs in a public place or on the property of another is illegal under Florida Statutes Chapter 800. 
• Lewd and lascivious act: Also, under Florida Statutes Chapter 800, it is illegal to touch in a lustful manner or engage in sexual activity with a minor under 16 years of age because they are under the age of consent. 
• Failure to register as a sex offender: For those convicted of most sex offenses in Florida, you must register as a sex offender. Following release from prison, failure to register as a sex offender will result in criminal charges that can result in imprisonment and fines. 

Consequences of Florida Sex Crimes 

The penalties for sex crimes in Florida depend on the severity of the crime, the age and mental state of the victim, and if the defendant has prior convictions. The charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. 

In Florida, a sex crime misdemeanor includes prostitution and indecent exposure. However, even with a misdemeanor, the penalties increase with subsequent offenses. 

In Florida, failure to register as a sex offender, possession of child pornography, and a third prostitution conviction are classified as third-degree felonies. A conviction for a third-degree felony for any of these crimes can result in a maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. 

Sexual Battery in Florida is a second-degree felony. A conviction for this offense can result in up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Severe forms of sexual battery can result in more severe penalties, dependent on the circumstances. The penalties for lewd and lascivious acts in Florida depend on the victim and the defendant’s age. The punishments for these crimes range from 5 years to life in prison.

In addition to fines and prison time, most punishments for sex crimes in Florida also include probation and a mandatory sex offender registry. 

Sex Crimes Probation 

Here is a list of the most common conditions for sex crimes probation: 

• Completing a sex offender treatment program
• Mandatory curfew 
• Providing law enforcement with DNA samples 
• No access to the internet or a computer until the treatment program or risk assessment has been completed
• No contact with children unless the court approves it
• If the victim was a minor, prohibited from living close to a school or a place where children gather

Failing to obey the terms established by the court constitutes a violation of probation which can result in criminal charges and punishment that includes fines and prison time. 

Sex Offender

In Florida, the offenses that require the convict to register as a sex offender are: 

• Sexual battery 
• Illegal sexual acts with a minor 
• Lew and lascivious acts 
• Sexual misconduct 
• Luring or enticing a child 
• Kidnapping of a minor under 13 years of age
• Human trafficking 
• Video voyeurism
• Child pornography 

After being released from prison, it is required that offenders of the above-listed crimes are required to register with their local sheriff’s department within 48 hours. The sex offender registry is widely available to the public. When registering as a sex offender, you must provide your: 

• Name 
• Age 
• Date of birth 
• A physical description 
• Social security number 
• Address 
• Place of employment 
• Photograph 
• Fingerprints 

Defending Your Future Against Sex Crime Charges 

The severity of a sex crime comes with harsh punishments. The police and prosecutors will use the victim’s statements, medical evidence, witnesses and documents, and DNA evidence to solidify a strong case against you. In order to avoid a conviction for a sex crimes charge, you need a sex crimes defense attorney that will use all the resources at their disposal to formulate your strongest defense. The attorneys at Hanlon Law will bring in experts to investigate any evidence brought by the prosecutors and look into the circumstances of your arrest to discover any errors made by the police.

If you are facing sex crimes charges in Orlando, Florida, contact the attorneys at Hanlon Law today to protect your future.

Contact Us

Call Today

407.987.3836

Practice Areas

Sex Offenses

Federal Sex Crimes

Florida Sex Crimes

• Sentencing for Florida Child Pornography Crimes
• Transmission of Child Pornography by an Electronic Device
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Using Minors in the Production of Prohibited Materials

Drug Charges

Violent Crimes