West Palm Beach Sex Crimes Lawyer
Federal attorneys ready to help mount
a potent defense in your sex offense case
While many people think that sex crimes must include physical sexual contact, the truth is that crimes which include voyeurism, possession of child pornography and indecent exposure are all sex offenses in Florida. Even if no physical sexual contact took place during an incident, the event could still lead to a sex crime charge, making it imperative for anyone charged to seek the help of an expert West Palm Beach sex crimes defense lawyer like David J. Joffe immediately after your arrest.
Joffe Law, P.A. specializes in protecting the rights of West Palm Beach residents who have been accused of and charged with sex crimes. Our sex crimes defense lawyers understand the unique nature of these charges, and we strive to ensure that our clients are represented in the most dignified and professional manner possible, both before and during court.
How does Florida define sex crimes?
In Florida, sex crimes are generally referred to as offenses of a lewd and lascivious nature. These can include everything from sexual battery to indecent exposure, and West Palm Beach takes an especially tough stance on these types of offenses.
Age, consent and coercion all play roles in determining the extent to which charges will be filed, but even in cases of underage sexual contact, Florida law does not allow for a defense of ignorance of age to be a mitigating factor.
Do not say anything that might incriminate you. Speak with an attorney first.
Penalties for sex crimes in West Palm Beach
Just as the definition of sex crimes in West Palm Beach can vary, penalties can range as well. Factors that may influence penalties can include:
- the nature of the sex crime
- whether minors were involved
- whether aggravating circumstances were involved
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in West Palm Beach, you may face the following penalties:
- lewd exhibitionism – 2nd degree felony if defendant over 18, 15 years in prison
- lascivious battery on a minor 12-16 years old – 2nd degree felony, 15 years in prison
- sexual battery and molestation of a minor under age 12 – 1st degree felony, life in prison
Keep in mind that fines and fees are associated with guilty verdicts in sex crimes cases in West Palm Beach. Depending on the conviction and offense, you may be looking at upwards of $15,000 in fines in addition to prison time.
Sex offender registration requirements
If convicted of a sex crime in West Palm Beach, you may have to register as a sex offender. In doing so, your name, address and picture will appear on Florida’s sex offender registry database. You may also be searchable online through various other databases.
Depending on the nature of your crime and the area you live in, you may be restricted regarding where you can work, live and gather. To add to this, you may need to inform certain individuals in your life about your status as a registered sex offender, and even if you leave the state, you will still be required to update Florida’s registry to keep your information current.
A note about child pornography charges in Florida
Producing, distributing or possessing child pornography in Florida is a felony. If you have distributed child pornography across state lines or over the Internet, federal authorities may become involved in investigating your case, potentially bringing additional, more consequential charges along with these investigations.
Because this type of sex crime is prosecuted aggressively in West Palm Beach, your defense in court will require the services of an expert federal criminal defense attorney who specializes in child pornography defense in West Palm Beach. Counsel may need to work with multiple agencies and prosecutors to ensure that you receive fair treatment during the investigation process as well as in court.
How do relationships affect sex crimes?
Even if you are in a relationship with someone or are married to the individual, you can still be accused of and charged with sex crimes. Unfortunately, these accusations sometimes come after a break up or divorce as a means of seeking revenge for perceived wrongs. In these types of situations, having a competent and experienced sex crimes attorney on your side is vital since there are many personal details to sort through and present in court.
A jilted ex-lover may attempt to persuade investigators or a jury that you were involved in committing hurtful sex crimes during your time together, and without legal representation, deceptive tactics may work in convincing people of your guilt. Your sex crimes lawyer can work with you to create strategies that not only defend against these malicious attacks on your character, but that also work to ensure your good name is protected.
How does DNA evidence factor into sex crimes?
DNA evidence can provide a strong defense in a sex crime case, but it can also be a hindrance. If you’ve been accused of committing a criminal sexual offense, DNA evidence can help to prove your innocence since a lack of DNA tying you to the crime can help to show you weren’t involved.
On the other hand, if you happened to be in a place where a sex crime occurred, your DNA could be gathered at the scene, potentially linking you to the crime. Your sex offense lawyer will be able to help you work through these issues and present the facts in your case. Without an experienced attorney, you may find that the prosecution tries to unfairly utilize DNA evidence to paint an incorrect picture of what actually took place.
Call a sex crimes defense lawyer near you
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in West Palm Beach, it’s important to know your rights and your options. You don’t have to allow this incident to direct the course of the rest of your life.
A West Palm Beach sex crimes attorney at Joffe Law is available to help through targeted representation and legal strategy development. Our experienced defense attorneys understand how to protect the rights of innocent people who have been caught up in unfortunate situations.
To learn how we can help defend you in your sex crimes case, call our firm at (561) 800-0255 now. We’re available to take your call 24×7.