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Lewd and Lascivious Molestation Lawyer in Orlando, Florida
Orlando Lewd and Lascivious Molestation Lawyer
Experienced Lewd and Lascivious Molestation Defense Attorney in Orlando, FL
Facing allegations of lewd and lascivious molestation is one of the most serious legal situations a person can encounter. These charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences to your reputation and freedom. If you have been accused of lewd and lascivious molestation in Orlando, it is critical to contact an experienced sex crimes defense attorney immediately.
At Hanlon Law, Orlando criminal defense attorney Will Hanlon has decades of experience representing individuals accused of serious felony offenses. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused and building strong, strategic defenses against aggressive prosecution.
Understanding Lewd and Lascivious Molestation Under Florida Law
Lewd or lascivious molestation is defined under Florida Statute § 800.04 and involves sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16 that does not rise to the level of lewd or lascivious battery. The offense occurs when a person intentionally:
- Touches the breasts, genitals, genital area, buttocks, or clothing covering those areas of a child under 16 in a lewd or lascivious manner, or
- Forces or entices a minor under 16 to touch the offender in a sexual way
The terms lewd and lascivious describe conduct motivated by sexual desire, lust, or immoral intent.
Importantly, mistake of age is not a defense under Florida law. Even if the accused believed the child was older or claims consent, charges may still be filed.
Penalties for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation in Florida
The penalties for lewd and lascivious molestation depend on the ages of both the accused and the alleged victim, as well as any prior criminal history.
- Accused age 18 or older / Victim under 12
- Charged as a life felony
- May result in life imprisonment or a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison followed by lifetime probation
- Accused age 18 or older / Victim age 12–15
- Charged as a second-degree felony
- Accused under 18 / Victim age 12–15
- Charged as a third-degree felony
- Enhanced first-degree felony
- Applies when the accused is 18 or older, the victim is 12–15, and the accused has prior convictions for crimes such as kidnapping, false imprisonment of a minor, or child luring, combined with sexual battery or lewd conduct
Convictions can also trigger mandatory sex offender registration, severely limiting employment, housing, and personal freedoms for life.
Defending Against Lewd and Lascivious Molestation Charges
While defenses to sex crime charges are limited under Florida law, they do exist. A skilled attorney can analyze whether:
- The State lacks sufficient evidence
- Witness testimony is unreliable or inconsistent
- Constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest
- Evidence was improperly obtained or handled
- A plea to a lesser offense may be negotiated
At Hanlon Law, we conduct an in-depth review of every aspect of the case, including police procedures, forensic evidence, and witness credibility, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Speak With an Orlando Lewd and Lascivious Molestation Attorney Today
An accusation alone can be devastating, and a conviction can permanently alter your life. If you are under investigation or have been charged with lewd and lascivious molestation, early legal intervention is crucial.
Will Hanlon, founder of Hanlon Law, has been defending individuals accused of serious criminal offenses since 1994. He is known for providing aggressive, personalized representation and fighting tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights.
Call Hanlon Law at
407-987-3836 or
contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly represent clients throughout the Orlando area and also defend individuals facing charges related to statutory rape, other sex crimes, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft, and weapons charges.
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