Central Florida is a great place to visit and live because of the many nearby attractions, such as Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. There are many teenagers and young adults in the area looking to relax and have a good time. However, it is not uncommon for people to face charges for engaging in sex with someone younger than the age of consent.
Florida’s age of consent is 18, and having sex with a minor can lead to statutory rape charges. You can be arrested for a sex crime for many reasons, and your livelihood is on the line when you are sitting in court and facing the prosecutors. Call an experienced Clermont statutory rape lawyer for more information on how you could fight back and maintain your innocence.
State criminal laws prohibit an adult from engaging in sexual activities with minors. However, statutory rape charges range in severity depending on the case specifics, such as the ages of the alleged defendant and minor. The rules as stated in Florida Statute § 794.05 provide it is unlawful for any person 24 years or older to have sex with a minor aged 16 or 17.
Sexual activity refers to any genital penetration by another person, whether oral, anal, or by use of an organ or object. It is essential to note that claiming ignorance of the minor’s age is not an acceptable defense strategy against the charges. Any adult engaging in sexual acts with a minor aged 15 or under can be charged with second-degree felony statutory rape.
Someone over 18 having sexual intercourse with someone under 16 can result in an arrest, except in certain circumstances. The so-called Romeo and Juliet law protects teenagers who are engaging in sexual activity with other teenagers or young adults from facing criminal charges.
The rule applies to individuals between the ages of 14 and 17, and with someone no more than four years older. A Clermont statutory rape attorney could answer specific questions about the statutes during a free consultation and whether the Romeo and Juliet law might apply in your case.
A conviction for statutory rape in Clermont will require that individual to register as a sex offender. The registry is searchable by the public, and any time the individual agrees to a background check, such as for new employment, the inquiring party will find the individual is a registered sex offender. This stigma might have major repercussion on your life, including your ability to hold a job or live where you want to. Some of the other possible penalties include:
Punishment and sentencing can vary significantly, depending on certain aspects of the incident. However, any conviction or sex-related offenses will have severe and lasting consequences on a person’s life and future.
Some possible defense strategies against statutory rape charges include:
There is no way to determine the most effective defense strategy without reviewing your case specifics. A statutory rape lawyer in Clermont could review your arrest details and the evidence levied against you to help tailor a strategy that addresses the aspects of your case.
You have the right to prepare a strong defense and fight the charges against you if you face a conviction for statutory rape or any other sex offense. While an arrest for crimes that are sexual in nature can be stressful and overwhelming, you have options to overcome them. The more time you have to prepare, the better your chance of reaching a favorable outcome.
Therefore, even if the court date is months away, you must begin preparing immediately. Schedule a consultation with a qualified Clermont statutory rape lawyer to review your situation. The highly respected criminal defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm work closely with you to establish the facts and advocate for your innocence.
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