Florida law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges take sex crime offenses very seriously. A conviction can come with steep fines and long stretches of time behind bars. For people charged with an offense in South Florida, an experienced Miami sex crimes attorney can help provide vital assistance.
Our South Florida defense law firm works tirelessly to help clients get charges dropped or reduced. We understand how prosecutors and judges approach these cases and have a strong track record of successful results for the people we represent.
Sex Crime ChargesSex crimes are a type of criminal offense that covers a variety of violations, from the sharing of certain explicit images and the solicitation of a prostitute to unwanted touching and rape.
Sexual AssaultSexual assault is a common sex crime that refers to a wide range of nonconsensual touching, groping, kissing, and other physical contacts short of rape. It comes with serious potential penalties, including up to 30 years behind bars and $10,000 in fines.
Sexual Battery or RapeSexual battery is commonly referred to as rape or forcible sex. It is a felony offense a maximum of 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Sex Crimes Involving MinorsBoth the possession and distribution of pornographic images depicting children are crimes under state and federal law. An adult convicted of sexual assault on a child under the age of 12 years old, for example, is looking at a capital felony – an offense that can result in life in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
How Does a Miami Sex Crimes Attorney Build a Defense?There are a number of possible defenses available to a person charged with sexual assault. A Miami sex crime attorney can help build your defense by gathering a wide range of factual evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and medical records.
Sex crime cases often raise complicated questions about consent. In some cases, the question isn’t whether the sexual contact happened but instead whether the sexual contact was consensual.
The key to fighting a sex crime case is starting early, sometimes even before you have been charged with an offense. It is important to start gathering evidence and understanding the charges against you as soon as possible.
Steps to Take if You Are AccusedIf you are accused of a sex crime, there are important steps you should take.
Step 1 – Avoid Making Unnecessary StatementsFirst, avoid making any statements, answering any questions or conversing with anyone about the situation until you have consulted a Miami sex crimes attorney. Whether it is a police officer, a friend or family member, or your employer, simply tell them that you cannot discuss the matter at this time. Whatever you say can be misinterpreted or twisted, even if you are denying the accusations, and may be used against you later.
Step 2 – Consult with a Miami Sex Crimes Attorney ImmediatelyThe next step is to consult with an attorney immediately. The moment you learn of accusations, even if they are only rumors, you should contact a lawyer for legal advice. Communication between an attorney and a client is protected by attorney-client privilege, so everything you share with our legal team is private and confidential and cannot be used against you in a criminal proceeding. In addition to advising you, your attorney can communicate on your behalf to anyone trying to question or discuss the accusation with you.
Step 3 – Gather EvidenceThe third step is to gather any physical evidence that might relate to the alleged victim and your relationship with them, whether it be clothes, photos, videos, etc. You should also save any documents or records related to the accusation, including emails, letters, phone and computer records, that may show where you were during the alleged incident. Next, make a list of potential witnesses – anyone you believe may have information about the accusations – and obtain their contact information. Share everything you collect with your attorney.
What You Should Not DoIf you are accused of a sex crime, there are also certain actions you should make sure NOT to take. Do not contact the victim or their family, talk to police or investigators without an attorney present, or give any evidence to law enforcement without first consulting your lawyer.
Hiring a Miami Sex Crimes AttorneyBeing accused of any type of sex crime could potentially ruin your life, affecting your reputation, freedom, where you live, who you talk to, etc. You need a skilled Miami sex crimes attorney to help you obtain a favorable outcome on your case. All of the sex crime attorneys at Whittel & Melton, LLC are dedicated to defending those accused of a sex crime, varying from indecent exposure to sexual assault. Our firm is made up of former state prosecutors, retired military, required law enforcement and former state-appointed defenders. We are proud to have collectively handled thousands of sex crime cases throughout Florida.
Our attorneys work tirelessly to help clients get charges dropped or reduced. We understand how prosecutors and judges approach these cases and have a strong track record of successful results for the people we represent. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime and would like to consult with one of our experienced attorneys, contact us today.
Speak with a Miami Sex Crimes Attorney TodayThe sex crime attorneys at Whittel & Melton are prepared to represent clients throughout Florida who have been charged with a wide variety of offenses, from internet sex crimes to sexual assault and rape.
Our firm has offices throughout the state, including in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Ocala, Gainesville, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Ft Lauderdale. Contact us online or call 866-608-5529 for a free evaluation with a Miami sex crime attorney