Sex Crime Attorneys in Clearwater, Florida

Sex offenses are some of the most zealously prosecuted crimes in Florida. Sex crimes are associated with life-changing penalties, not to mention the lifelong stigma against sex offenders. A sex crime conviction can also limit a person’s employment and housing opportunities. That is why defendants facing charges for sex-related crimes need to reach out to a knowledgeable defense attorney.

Our experienced and compassionate criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Hoskins and Penton, P.A., are dedicated to defending individuals facing sex crime charges in Clearwater, Florida, as well as Tampa, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey. We understand what a conviction as a sex offender means, and we are prepared to fight to protect the rights of those accused of sex offenses in Florida.

Types of Sex-Related Crimes

Florida laws prohibiting the various types of sex crimes are some of the toughest in the nation. Our results-driven sex crime defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Hoskins and Penton, P.A., have successfully represented clients facing a wide range of sex-related charges, including but not limited to:

• Prostitution

• Rape, including statutory rape

• Sexual assault

• Indecent exposure

• Solicitation

• Sexual misconduct

• Possession of child pornography

• Internet sex crimes

Regardless of the charges you are facing, it is important to build a solid defense to minimize possible penalties or seek to avoid a conviction altogether.

Possible Penalties for Sex Crimes

The possible penalties associated with a sex crime conviction depend on the severity of the offense. Potential penalties for sex-related offenses in Florida include:

• Hefty fines

• Imprisonment

• Probation

• Commitment to a civil treatment facility

• Registration as a sex offender

A sexual offense conviction can have lifelong consequences. Anyone facing charges for sex crimes should consider contacting an experienced defense attorney immediately.

Possible Defenses to Sex-Related Accusations

If you were accused of committing a sex crime, there are many possible defense strategies a skilled criminal defense lawyer could use to pursue a favorable outcome in your case. Possible defenses include:

• The sexual activity was consensual

• Mistaken identity

• Alibi (the defendant was somewhere else at the time of the offense)

• False accusation

• The defendant was married to the alleged victim when the sexual activity took place

• The alleged victim lied about their age (if the defendant is facing accusations of statutory rape)

Consider speaking with an attorney to determine the available defense strategies in your specific case.

What Is Consent in Florida?

Consent plays a pivotal role in sex crime cases. In the context of sexual activities, Florida law defines consent as an informed and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity with another person. However, the age of consent in Florida is 18 years. It means that any adult who engages in sexual activity with an underage person can be charged with statutory rape regardless of whether the minor actually consented to the activity.

Steps to Take After a Sex Crime Accusation

The steps you take when facing accusations of a sex crime can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. If you were accused of a sex-related offense, consider taking the following steps to protect your rights and freedom:

1. Reach out to an attorney immediately. Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney if you were accused of committing a sex crime. An attorney can help you build a strong defense to fight for a favorable outcome in your case.

2. Do not discuss your case with the authorities. Do not provide any statements about your case to the police or authorities before you speak with your defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.

3. Collect and preserve evidence. The more evidence you can gather to support your innocence, the better. Your attorney can help you collect all available pieces of evidence in your case.

4. Gather witness statements. Witness statements often play a crucial role in sex crime cases. A witness may support your side of the story and help you fight for a favorable outcome in your case.