Statutory Rape Lawyers Miami, FL

Florida Statutory Rape Laws

Florida law defines “statutory rape” as an adult having consensual sexual intercourse with someone who is under the age of 18 years old. There are certain exceptions to this law, otherwise known as “Romeo and Juliet” exceptions or “close-in-age” exemptions, which protect underage couples who engage in sex or young lovers where both are close in age but only one is over the age of 18. However, for those who don’t qualify for these particular exemptions, the penalties for being found guilty can be extremely severe.

If you’re accused of statutory rape, you need a powerful, experienced attorney on your side who can fight for you and your rights. At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., our Miami statutory rape lawyers understand how risky these cases can be, and we remain committed to providing clients with the professionalism, skill, and advocacy they need to fight for their freedom and reputation. We understand the seriousness of sex offenses cases, especially those where a minor is involved; we know what’s on the line and we treat it with the seriousness you expect and demand through every step of the process.

Call Hager & Schwartz, P.A. today at (305) 330-1360 and request a case evaluation to start developing your defense today with a Miami statutory rape lawyer.

Types of Statutory Offenses in Florida

Statutory rape isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all offense; there are actually different types of offenses that could fall under the net of statutory rape, and cause the penalties for your offense to vary.

Here are some of these offenses:

• Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors: When an adult who is over the age of 24 engages in “sexual activity” (including penetration in some form) with a victim who is 16 or 17 years old.
• Lewd or lascivious offenses committed on or in the presence of persons under 16: If the victim is under the age of 16 but at least 12 years of age, and the perpetrator over the age of 18 engages in sexual activity with them.
• Sexual battery: When a person over the age of 18 batters a victim under the age of 12.
• Traveling to meet a minor: When a person travels any distance to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a person they believe to be a child after using an electronic device to entice them to engage in sexual conduct.
• Soliciting a minor: When a person uses an electronic device capable of data storage or transmission to seduce or entice a person they believe to be a child to engage in sexual conduct.

Florida Statutory Rape Penalties

Lewd and lascivious acts involving minors will vary in punishment, depending on the age of the alleged victim and the defendant. Lewd and lascivious acts are considered any sexual touching between the accused person and victim’s mouth, anus, or vagina, including of the defendant’s sexual organs on the victim.

In Florida, the penalties for a statutory offense can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the offense. Statutory offenses are almost always a felony, which means you’ll face multiple years in prison. Felony of the third degree offenses carry a penalty of up to five (5) years in prison, felony of the second degree offenses carry up to (15) years in prison, and a felony of the first degree can carry a sentence not to exceed life in prison.

In addition to the prison sentence you’ll like face large fines, which can amount to up to $10,000, and you’ll likely be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Sex offender registration is permanent, and will place numerous additional restrictions on your life, such as where you can live, where you can work, and much more. Probation time for defendants that under the age of 18 who are convicted of soliciting, but not actually committing a sexual act.

Legal Defenses for Statutory Rape Cases

To protect yourself from the accusations, we urge you to enlist the services of a skilled Miami statutory rape attorney for advice. There are many ways to go about defending your case, and this will depend greatly on the circumstances. For example, if you sincerely did not know that the other person was underage, such as he or she lured you into engaging in the acts by presenting themselves as an older person. As this is only an example, remember that your situation will be different from all others, so it is vital that you call Hager & Schwartz, P.A. as soon as possible so that your case can be evaluated properly.

We May Be Your Best Asset!

When it comes to any sex crime or criminal charge, it is never recommended that you try to fight on your own. Even relying on a public defender or a “discount” attorney is not a good choice—because they are there only to close cases; they do not necessarily care about you as a person. That is what makes our Miami statutory rape lawyers different from all others. We treat your case personally, knowing that there is a real person at the heart of the matter, and we do everything we can to make sure you are protected.

Why leave your case up to chance? Retain counsel from the experienced team at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. today! Contact our Miami statutory rape attorneys at (305) 330-1360 to schedule a consultation now.