Sex Crimes

Accusations of sexual crimes can lead to life-altering consequences. In fact, few crimes have the potential to damage one’s reputation and quality of life as much as a sex crime. Even minor sex crime convictions can have lasting severe consequences.

The Villages sex crimes defense attorneys recognize how terrifying it can be to face accusations of a sex crime. We understand your concerns and are here to help you through this challenging time. We stand ready to answer all of your questions and can help you no matter what charges you are facing.

Facing an accusation of a sex crime in The Villages or anywhere in Florida can be frightening and humiliating. Florida aggressively prosecutes sex crimes, leading to long prison sentences, damage to your reputation, and mandatory sexual offender registration. Our Villages Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton stand by the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Florida has various sex crime charges, each with different penalties based on factors like the victim’s age and consent. For example, serious charges such as rape, possession of child pornography, and solicitation of a minor can result in lengthy prison sentences and require individuals to register as sex offenders. Act quickly to protect your rights by hiring strong legal counsel is essential.

The Villages Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can give your unique situation the personalized attention it needs. Therefore, if you’re under investigation or facing sex crime charges, contact us today.

Types of Sex Crimes and Potential Consequences

• 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 conviction for a sex crime can lead to various consequences, which can vary in severity based on several factors. These factors include the nature of the crime, the age of the alleged victim, whether violence, threats, or force were involved, and the presence of any previous criminal convictions on the accused’s record. Some potential 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

Registering as a sex offender or sexual predator for any length of time is one of the most devastating consequences that a person faces after committing a sex crime. The list of convicted sex offenders is available online for anyone to view, and we have personally witnessed it ruin many lives. Being a convicted sex offender can ruin your relationships, limit your employment opportunities, and even restrict where you live.

This information will include your physical descriptions, any tattoos or scars you have, pictures of yourself, a description of the crimes you committed, and details of any outstanding warrants against you. 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. Moreover, 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. In fact, there are several ways we may be able to persuade the prosecutor not to file sex crime charges, such as suppressing evidence based on unreasonable search and seizures, exposing overzealous and illegal police tactics, revealing incentives to fabricate sex crime charges, re-examining DNA evidence and other forms of physical evidence, and challenging any witness statements or testimony.

Furthermore, 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 the same time, at Whittel & Melton, we understand that not everyone accused of a sex crime is guilty.

If you find yourself accused of or charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Florida Sex Crimes Lawyer without delay to make sure your rights are protected and maintained through every step of the judicial process.

Notably, as former State Prosecutors, we are well-versed in the tactics the State Attorney’s Office employs when prosecuting sex crimes. For immediate assistance, call our experienced Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton in The Villages today at 352-369-5334 for a free evaluation of your case.