The impact of being charged with a sex crime goes far beyond the potential penalties that you’re facing. With sex crimes, a mere accusation can destroy various aspects of your life. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Ormond Beach, FL, you need to act quickly. A conviction could mean jail or prison, fines, a permanent criminal record that identifies you as a sex offender, and mandatory registration as a sexual offender or predator.
Criminal defense attorney Amanda Kazzi strongly believes in the principle that all persons are innocent until proven guilty. She can examine the evidence against you and develop an ironclad defense. Call her today to discuss your case. All conversations are protected by the attorney-client privilege.
Types of Sex Crimes in Florida
The state of Florida has numerous misdemeanor and felony offenses that can be considered “sex crimes.” They range from misdemeanors like soliciting a prostitute, which is a first-degree misdemeanor, all the way to sexual battery on a minor, which, depending on the age of the minor, can be a life or capital felony. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it outlines some of the most common sex crimes in the state of Florida:
- Soliciting a prostitute – first-degree misdemeanor
- Compelling another to become a prostitute – third-degree felony
- Sexual-battery on a minor - first-degree, life, or capital felony (depending on the age of the perpetrator and the victim)
- Sexual battery on an adult – first-degree felony
- Carnal intercourse with a minor (consensual sex between a minor 16 or 17 years old and an adult under the age of 24) - second-degree felony
- Soliciting a minor over the internet or electronic device – third-degree felony
- Possession or transmission of child pornography – third-degree felony
This is just a brief overview of the types of crimes considered sexual offenses. In addition to the Florida crimes, many federal crimes come into play when communications or activities cross state lines.
Penalties for Sex Crimes
The penalties for sex crimes in Florida are the same for other misdemeanor and felony crimes, but they often involve mandatory registration on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offenders and Predators list. If you are entered onto this list, you will be subject to routine check-ins by law enforcement, and your name will be searchable by anyone with access to the internet. If you move, you will be required to update your information. Additionally, misdemeanors can lead to jail time and fines, while felony crimes could lead to a prison sentence and greater fines. That’s why it’s important to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. You could inadvertently damage your case and expose yourself to additional public scrutiny by delaying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime or you are aware that you’re the subject of an investigation, you need to speak to attorney Amanda Kazzi immediately. Searching for answers on the internet is no substitute for representation from a top-tier sex crimes defense lawyer. These are some of the most common questions individuals who have been charged with sex crimes tend to ask.
If I’m innocent, do I need to hire an attorney?
You may be unaware that you committed a sex crime. You may also be innocent of your charges. However, the police did target you for a reason, and that’s what you need to worry about. Even the allegation of a sex crime can destroy your life. If you aren’t guilty, an attorney can help ensure that you don’t get falsely convicted. It’s better to err on the side of caution and talk to an attorney.
Is there a way to get my charges dropped?
Law enforcement and state attorneys are aggressive when it comes to sex crimes. That does not, however, mean that your case is hopeless. In many sex crimes cases, the evidence is less than compelling. An experienced attorney can examine the prosecutorial evidence against you and determine the best defense for your case.
If I’m put on the FDLE Sexual Offender and Predator list, can I be taken off?
For certain crimes, you can petition to be removed from the sexual offender and predator list under Florida law. There are various conditions that you must meet before you can end your registry. You should talk to a sex crimes attorney if you’re trying to be removed from the FDLE list.
Ormond Beach Sex Crimes Attorney for the Accused
If you’ve been arrested for a sex crime, you need to retain the services of a criminal defense lawyer who handles sex offenses. Amanda Kazzi is a former criminal prosecutor. She uses her experience in the State Attorney’s Office to offer her clients superlative representation. Call today to speak to attorney Kazzi in a private consultation.