Whittel & Melton, LLC 866-608-5529 – Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys
A 22-year-old Pembroke Pines martial arts instructor is facing criminal charges after police claim he had sex with an underage girl.
The man was arrested Wednesday and charged with five counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.
Pembroke Pines police allege the man picked the 14-year-old girl up from school after she had skipped class on two separate occasions. They claim he took the girl to his home and had sex with her several times in his bedroom and bathroom.
The man was arrested after the alleged victim, on a recorded call with police, asked the man if he used a condom because she believed she may be pregnant. According to police, the man made incriminating statements that lead to him being taken into custody.
The man allegedly told detectives that he and the girl were attracted to one another, but did not engage in sexual relations. During an interrogation, the man apparently told police he took the girl to his home to keep her out of trouble.
The man is being held on $20,000 bond and has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.
Charges associated with lewd and lascivious behavior generally stem from illegal sexual activity occurring between adults and minors. These charges usually follow allegations of rape, child molestation or exposure of sexual organs. The penalties associated with a conviction can include lengthy prison sentences and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
It is important to understand that simply being accused of a sex crime does not automatically mean you are guilty. Most lewd and lascivious cases are quite fact-specific and must be handled accordingly. These cases tend to be factually and emotionally complex, which is why a thorough investigation into every detail and angle of the circumstances leading up to the charges must be investigated thoroughly.
Prosecutors are highly focused on achieving convictions for sex crimes involving minors, so lewd and lascivious behavior charges should never be taken lightly. The Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can uncover the facts related to your case and mount an effective defense so that your reputation, career and future remain protected. When you are accused of a sex crime, time is of the essence. Take swift action and protect yourself by contacting the Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton.
If you have been charged with lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation or lewd or lascivious conduct anywhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or call us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.