Titusville Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Defending Clients Accused of Sex Crimes in Brevard County

When people are accused of sex crimes, they face many life-altering consequences. In addition to the potential for incarceration, you may be required to register as a sex offender. This will have a lasting impact on where you are allowed to live, work, and even visit.

At Ali & Blankner, our sex crime defense attorneys in Titusville understand what is at stake in these cases. We know how to investigate sex crime charges and how to build strong defenses for our clients. We know how to negotiate with prosecutors, and we know how to win in the courtroom. If you or someone you love has been accused of a sex crime, our team is ready to fight for you.

Call Ali & Blankner at (407) 753-1312 or contact us online today to request a confidential, in-person consultation with a sex crime defense lawyer in Titusville.

Types of Sex Crimes

Sex crimes, also known as sex offenses, are a wide-ranging category of criminal charges. They involve allegations of unwanted sexual contact, sexual exploitation, and other forms of illegal sexual activity. Most sex crimes are felony offenses, meaning a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record and the loss of certain civil rights.

At Ali & Blankner, we handle all types of sex crime cases, including but not limited to:

• Sexual Battery/Rape: This involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, either through physical force, coercion, or when the victim is unable to give consent due to age, intoxication, or incapacity.
• Lewd or Lascivious Conduct: This includes indecent or sexual acts committed in the presence of a minor, such as indecent exposure or inappropriate touching.
• Sexual Assault: This refers to any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the victim's consent, including groping, fondling, or attempted rape.
• Child Pornography: This involves the production, distribution, possession, or viewing of sexually explicit images or videos involving minors.
• Sexual Exploitation of Minors: This includes any actions that involve exploiting minors for sexual purposes, such as prostitution, human trafficking, or online solicitation of minors for sexual acts.
• Unlawful Sexual Activity with Minors: This encompasses sexual activity between an adult and a minor below the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent.
• Sexual Harassment: This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.

What Are the Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Florida?

Penalties for sex crime convictions in Florida vary depending on the specific offense, the circumstances of the case, and the defendant's criminal history. However, common penalties for sex crimes in Florida may include:

• Incarceration: Many sex crimes in Florida carry the possibility of imprisonment. The length of imprisonment can vary widely depending on the severity of the offense. For example, convictions for sexual battery or rape can result in lengthy prison sentences, including life imprisonment in some cases.
• Probation: In addition to or in lieu of incarceration, a judge may impose a period of probation. During probation, the defendant must comply with certain conditions, such as regularly reporting to a probation officer, attending counseling or treatment programs, and avoiding contact with victims or minors.
• Fines: Convicted individuals may be required to pay fines as part of their sentence. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the offense and may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Sex Offender Registration: Individuals convicted of certain sex crimes in Florida are required to register as sex offenders. This means their personal information, including their name, address, and photograph, is entered into a public database maintained by law enforcement. Depending on the offense, registration may be required for a specified period or for life.
• Sex Offender Treatment: In some cases, convicted individuals may be required to undergo sex offender treatment or counseling as part of their sentence. This may include therapy aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the offender's behavior and reducing the risk of re-offending.
• Restraining Orders: In cases where the victim requests protection, a judge may issue a restraining order or protective order prohibiting the convicted individual from contacting the victim or coming near them.

Defending Against Sex Crime Charges in Titusville

When you are facing sex crime charges, you need a defense lawyer who is prepared to fight for you. At Ali & Blankner, we understand what is at stake in these cases. We know the various defenses that may be available to you, and we know how to pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Some of the defenses that may be available in your sex crime case include:

• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the alleged victim may mistakenly identify the defendant as the person who committed the offense. This is particularly common in cases involving eyewitness testimony, and it can be a powerful defense strategy.
• False Accusations: Sadly, false accusations of sex crimes are not as uncommon as many people think. These cases often involve children who have been coached by parents, teachers, or other authority figures to make false allegations. False accusations can also be motivated by jealousy, revenge, and other emotions. Our attorneys know how to expose false allegations and how to build strong defenses for our clients.
• Consent: In some cases, the alleged victim may have consented to the sexual activity. If the prosecution cannot prove that you engaged in sexual activity with the alleged victim without his or her consent, you cannot be convicted of rape or any other sex crime that requires non-consensual sexual activity.
• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence to meet this high burden, you cannot be convicted.

Sex Crime FAQs

Can a sex crime conviction be expunged in Florida?

No, you cannot get a sex crime conviction expunged in Florida. Expungement is only available for certain criminal offenses and only under certain circumstances. Furthermore, if you are required to register as a sex offender, you cannot get your record sealed, either. However, if you were wrongfully convicted of a sex crime, you may be able to have your conviction overturned on appeal or through a post-conviction motion. Our attorneys can review your case and help you determine the best course of action.

How long does a person have to register as a sex offender in Florida?

In Florida, the duration of your sex offender registration requirement will depend on the nature of the sex crime you were convicted of and your criminal history. In general, sex offender registration is a lifetime requirement. However, if you were convicted of a less serious sex crime and you have a clean criminal record, you may be able to petition the court to terminate your registration requirement after a certain number of years.

What is the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for most sex crimes is five years. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. For example, if the alleged victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense, he or she has until his or her 28th birthday to file charges.

What is the age of consent in Florida?

The age of consent is 18 in Florida. However, Florida has a “close-in-age” or “Romeo and Juliet” law, which allows for consensual sexual activity between certain individuals who are close in age. The exact parameters of the Romeo and Juliet law in Florida can be complicated, but it essentially allows for sexual activity between a minor and a partner who is no more than four years older than the minor.

Get Started with a Confidential Consultation

If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. At Ali & Blankner, we know how to win in the courtroom, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you.

Call our office at (407) 753-1312 or submit an online contact form to request a private consultation with a sex crime defense lawyer in Titusville. Ali & Blankner is available 24/7 to take your call.