Florida Penalties for Sexual Offenses

Florida law harshly penalizes sex crimes, enforcing mandatory minimum sentences and requiring lifetime sex offender registration for most offenses. While every case is different, the following are the maximum penalties for sex-related crimes in Florida. 

Sexual Battery(per Florida Statutes 794.011):

• 15 years in prison and $10,000 fine (against a person over 12, without violence/force) 
• Life in prison (against a person over 12, with the threat/use of a deadly weapon)
• Life in prison or death (against a person under 12, causing injury to sexual organs)

This offense is also called sexual assault or rape.

Statutory Rape (per Fla. Stat. 794.05):

• Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fine (depending on the age of the victim)

This charge applies to any sexual activity with a child who is younger than 16 years old. This charge also applies if the accused is 24 years or older and the victim is 16 to 18 years old.

Child Molestation(per Fla. Stat. 800.04):

• Up to 15 years or life in prison (depending on the age of the victim)

This offense involves intentionally touching the private parts or clothing covering those areas of a child who is younger than 16 years old, or making that child touch these areas on the defendant.

Child Pornography (per Fla. Stat. 827.071):

• 5 years in prison (possession, per piece of material)
• 15 years in prison (production/distribution)

Prostitution / Solicitation (per Fla. Stat. Chapter 796):

• Up to 60 days in jail (first offense)
• Up to 1 year in jail (second offense)
• 5 years in state prison (third offense)

Lewd Conduct / Indecent Exposure (per Fla. Stat. Chapter 800):

• 5 to 15 years in prison (depending on the age of the victim)

This offense involves flashing one's sexual organs in a public area, but it can also apply to exposing oneself in a private space.

How a Tampa Sex Crime Attorney Can Help

You need a lawyer to give you honest, helpful counsel regarding your sex crime charges. From the onset, they will be able to advise you on what to and not do to help your case and begin building a defense. Even initial police questioning without a defense attorney present could significantly affect the outcome of your case. It is best to take as many preventative measures as possible by working with a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Our Tampa firm can provide many key services to a person who has been charged with a sex crime in Florida. 

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Investigating the charges brought against the client
• Conducting an independent analysis of evidence
• Working with forensic, DNA, and psychological experts
• Locating and interviewing witnesses to corroborate the story
• Proving a sex crime accusation is false
• Developing a strong plan of action for the client's defense
• Keeping the client informed at every step of the case
• Negotiating with the prosecuting attorney to receive lessened charges
• Litigating the case in criminal court in front of a jury
• Appealing a sex crime conviction

People who are charged with sex crimes can expect to have their lives turned upside down as they will be subjected to intrusive investigations and questioning by law enforcement. For this reason, it is always wise for a person to obtain counsel from a skilled attorney.

Find out how Thomas & Paulk can help you by calling (813) 221-4200 today!

The ultimate goal of our Tampa sex crime attorneys is to ensure our clients do not receive maximum penalties for their charges.