Sex Crimes

Being accused of a sex crime can have life changing implications. There are few crimes that have the potential to damage one’s reputation and quality of life as much as a sex crime. The conviction of even a minor sex crime can deliver harsh consequences that may follow you for the rest of your life.

The Villages Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys understand that a sex crime accusation, investigation, arrest or criminal charge is a terrifying experience to be thrown into. We know that you probably have many concerns that need to be addressed and need someone you can trust to help you through this difficult time. We stand ready to answer all of your many questions and can help you no matter what charges you are facing.

Being accused of a sex crime in The Villages or elsewhere in Florida is not only frightening, but also humiliating. Florida sex crimes charges are prosecuted quite aggressively and can result in lengthy time behind bars, damage to your personal and professional reputation, and mandatory registration as a sexual offender. Our Villages Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton stand by the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

There are numerous types of sex crimes charges in Florida and the penalties attached all vary on a variety of factors, such as the alleged victim’s age, whether consent is an issue, etc. If you are facing rape charges, date rape, possession of child pornography, or even solicitation of a minor, then you are looking at serious prison time and Sex Offender Registration. You need to take legal action right away to best protect your rights, and that begins with retaining strong legal counsel who can advocate on your behalf.

The Villages Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can provide your unique situation with the personalized attention it needs. If you are under investigation or have been charged with any of the following sex crimes, please contact our Villages Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton today.

• Sexual Battery
• Child Molestation
• Child Pornography
• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Indecent Exposure
• Juvenile Sex Crimes
• Prostitution
• Undercover Sex Stings
• Lewd Conduct
• Failure to Register
• Voyeurism

A sex crime conviction may result in any of a number of consequences, which can range in severity depending upon the nature of the crime committed, the age of the supposed victim, whether violence, threats or force played a factor and whether the accused has any previous criminal convictions on their record. Some possible sentencing penalties may include:

• Imprisonment in County Jail or State Prison
• Lifetime Registration as a Sex Offender or Sexual Predator
• Fines and Court Fees
• Probation
• Community Service
• Mandatory Sex Offender Counseling

The Burden of Mandatory Registration as a Sex Offender in Florida

There are very few consequences attached to a sex crime that are more devastating than being required to register as a sex offender or sexual predator for any amount of time. The list of convicted sex offenders is published on the Internet for anyone to view, and we have personally seen this destroy the lives of many. Being a convicted sex offender can ruin your personal relationships, limit your employment opportunities, and even restrict where you can live. The information put out there will include your physical descriptions, any tattoos or scars, pictures, description of the crimes you were convicted of, and any outstanding warrants. Essentially, it can be nearly impossible to rebuild your life even after you have served your sentence and completed all the terms of your probation.

Avoiding a Sex Crimes Charge in The Villages Before Formal Charges

Being accused of a sex crime means that you need to immediately seek legal representation and refrain from speaking about your case to any law enforcement without the presence of your attorney. Due to the impact of a sex crime allegation, you need to take these charges seriously even if they have no merit as police and prosecutors tend to side with the alleged victim in these cases. Seeking legal representation early on is advisable as we may be able to prevent formal charges from ever being filed against you. There are several ways we may be able to persuade the prosecutor to not file sex crimes charges, including suppressing evidence based on unreasonable search and seizures, exposing overzealous and illegal police tactics, revealing incentives to fabricate sex crimes charges, re-examining DNA evidence and other forms of physical evidence, challenging any witness statements or testimony.

The negative publicity and social stigmas attached to sexually motivated crimes can result in unfair prejudice from law enforcement, friends and peers, court personnel and even the jury. At Whittel & Melton, we understand that not everyone accused of a sex crime is guilty. If you have been accused of a sex crime or charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Florida Sex Crimes Lawyer without delay to make sure you’re your rights are protected and maintained through every step of the judicial process. As former State Prosecutors, we are well-versed with the tactics the State Attorney’s Office employs when prosecuting sex crimes. Call our experienced Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton in The Villages today for a free evaluation of your case at 352-369-5334.