It can be a parent’s worst nightmare to find out their child has been charged with a sex crime. The best thing a parent can do for their child that is in trouble with the law, is to contact the Florida Juvenile Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton right away so that we can work towards getting your child a fresh start on life. We firmly believe in rehabilitating children instead of locking them away and will always fight for alternative sentencing options.
On Aug. 1 two boys, ages 11 and 12, were accused of having sex with a 7-year-old girl after her grandmother supposedly witnessed her performing a sex act and contacted local authorities.
The girl supposedly told her grandmother she learned the sex act from the 12-year-old boy doing that to her.
According to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office report, the latest encounter occurred the previous week when the girl’s mother apparently caught the pair of boy’s and the young girl in her bedroom.
The boys supposedly told officers that they tried to engage in intercourse with the girl, but were unable to. The 12-year-old boy allegedly told deputies he frequently watches porn and wanted to try having sex with the 7-year-old. He evidently mentioned he thinks about sex constantly and was aware his actions were wrong.
The boys were charged with sexual battery on a child under 10 and were transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Fort Pierce.
Detectives at the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office reported that the investigation is still underway.
Finding out your son or daughter has been accused or detained for sexually motivated actions on a younger child can be devastating for the entire family. Parents that are scared for their child will often make them speak to the police before they realize how serious a sex crime charge can be. As a parent or guardian, it is important to remember your child has a right to remain silent and should always do so before consulting with a criminal defense lawyer. By retaining legal counsel in a timely fashion you can take proactive steps towards shaping your child’s defense and avoid harsh prosecution tactics that could have a negative and lasting impact on your loved one.
If your child has been arrested for a sex crime, a skilled Juvenile Sex Crimes Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can direct you towards an appropriate counseling program immediately. We will always work towards having your child’s charges reduced or dropped as opposed to incarceration. By requesting alternative sentencing options from the court, we can do our best to help your son, daughter, niece or nephew avoid the harsh ramifications associated with children being locked away for extended periods of time. These options can include counseling, probation, jail tours and good behavior programs.
If your child has been arrested for a sex crime in Okeechobee or anywhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call our Treasure Coast office in Orlando toll-free at 866-608-5529.