Types of Sex Crimes in Florida and How an Attorney Can Help
If you’re searching for a sex crimes attorney in Sarasota, FL, you’re likely facing a deeply stressful and confusing time, and the last thing you need is legal jargon making it worse. Charged with a serious allegation near the Sarasota County Courthouse (on Ringling Blvd near the U.S. Post Office), you need someone who knows the law and knows our local courts and sheriff’s office.
This blog walks you through common types of sex crimes in Florida and explains how a good local lawyer can help, without sounding stiff or overly legalistic.
1. Common Types of Sex Crimes in Florida
Sexual Battery (Rape)
Florida law refers to rape as sexual battery — non‑consensual oral, anal, or vaginal penetration. Penalties vary from life sentences to even the death penalty for “capital sexual battery” when the victim is under 12.
Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor
This covers sexual contact with someone under age 16 and includes physical touching or solicitation. Acts against a child under 12 can bring mandatory minimums under Jessica’s Law, including at least 25 years in prison and lifetime electronic monitoring.
Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors
Florida’s “age‑gap” law makes it a felony if someone 24 or older has sexual contact with someone 16 or 17, even with a close‑in‑age exception. Penalties can include prison time and sex offender registration.
Possession of Child Pornography and Solicitation
Florida treats possession of explicit images or video involving minors and using the internet to solicit sexual activity as serious felony charges, each with lengthy sentences and mandatory registration.
Video Voyeurism / Recording Without Consent
Illegally recording someone during an intimate encounter can lead to felony charges, as seen in recent Sarasota investigations where police declined rape charges but recommended a video voyeurism felony.
2. Why a Local Attorney Near Sarasota Helps
A knowledgeable attorney who works regularly at the Sarasota County Courthouse or interacts often with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) knows how local prosecutors and investigators operate. They understand local patterns, judges, and can often anticipate state approaches or evidence gaps.
3. What an Attorney Does
- Analyze the Evidence – comb through alleged statements, forensic data, and police procedure.
- Evaluate Consent or Mistaken Identity – common in sexual battery or internet solicitation cases.
- Negotiate or Fight – they may persuade the State Attorney’s office (in the 12th Judicial Circuit) to dismiss or reduce charges, or prepare for trial.
- Manage Sex Offender Consequences – avoiding mandatory registration means preserving your future options.
- Appeal or Seek Expungement – in some narrow cases under Romeo & Juliet or other statute exceptions, removal from the registry may be possible.
4. Action Steps if You’re Accused
- Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer.
- Contact a defense lawyer immediately for a free evaluation.
- Work with someone who knows Sarasota’s legal network, like the local courthouse on Ringling Blvd or the office near Central Police Station.
- Stay calm — though the charges are serious, you have rights and options.
Final Thoughts
Facing sex crime allegations in Florida can feel overwhelming, from child‑related offenses to sexual battery or video voyeurism. A sex crimes attorney in Sarasota, FL, brings legal experience and familiarity with local courts, jurisdictional quirks, and nearby agencies to help protect your rights. If charges are pending or an investigation is underway, it’s crucial to take action early, with someone who understands both the law and your community’s legal landscape.
Stay clear, stay calm, and reach out now for a consultation to protect your future.
