Sex Crimes FAQs
From the moment you are arrested for a Florida sex crime, your life immediately changes. Whether it’s the loss of employment or the fact that friends and family start to distance themselves from you, having sexual charges brought against you may feel like you’re being punished without ever getting a trial. However, while people may jump to their own conclusions, the fact is that you are innocent until proven guilty. No one understands this better than Hillsborough County criminal defense attorney Jason Mayberry. At the Mayberry Law Firm, we have over a decade of hands-on experience defending good people who’ve been charged with extremely serious crimes, helping them strategically navigate their cases through the system to reach the best possible result.
It’s an understatement to say that facing allegations of a sex crime can feel overwhelming. However, the more you know about the crime you’ve been charged with, what the possible punishment could be, and what defenses may apply to your case, the better equipped you’ll be to make important decisions about your case. That’s why we’ve put together this list of sex crimes FAQs.
- Do Florida Sex Crimes Always End in a Jail Sentence?
- Are There Defenses to Sex Crimes?
- What Should You Do if You’ve Been Arrested for a Sex Crime in Florida?
- If You’re Convicted of a Sex Crime, Do You Need to Register as a Sex Offender?
No, Florida courts are not always required to sentence a defendant to serve a jail sentence upon a conviction for a sex crime. However, judges don’t want to be seen as taking it easy on those convicted of a sex offense, so jail time is commonly a part of a defendant’s sentence. Additionally, there are certain instances where a judge is bound by mandatory minimum sentences, such as in situations where the defendant was designated as a “habitual violent felony offender” or under the Dangerous Sexual Felony Offender Act. Absent these circumstances, an experienced Hillsborough County criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a sentence that does not involve a jail sentence.
Yes, there are numerous defenses to sex crimes. For example, if law enforcement executes an illegal search of your computer, any evidence they obtained may not be admissible in trial. Similarly, if detectives convince you to make a confession without reading you your Miranda rights, your statements may not be admissible. Additionally, there are many defenses centered around challenging the authenticity of the government’s evidence. Of course, law enforcement devotes a tremendous amount of resources to investigating these cases, which means the government’s case is often quite strong. However, an experienced Hillsborough County criminal defense attorney can identify the weakest parts of the prosecution’s case in hopes of either securing a favorable plea agreement or beating the case at trial.
If you’ve been charged with a child pornography offense, sexual battery, lewd and lascivious behavior or another similar offense, reviewing these sex crimes FAQs is a good starting point. However, your next step should be to reach out to an experienced Hillsborough County sex crimes defense lawyer to set up a free consultation. An attorney can help you better understand the charges you face, conduct an investigation into the government’s allegations, determine which defenses may apply in your situation, and negotiate on your behalf in hopes of getting the prosecution to withdraw charges or offer a favorable plea deal. Certainly do not agree to speak to law enforcement without first speaking to a criminal attorney.
Yes, Florida law requires anyone convicted of a qualifying sex crime to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. Additionally, failure to register as a sex offender is a separate crime, punishable by up to five years in jail.
At the Mayberry Law Firm, Attorney Jason Mayberry has been aggressively defending individuals facing serious sex crimes for over a decade. Whether he is negotiating with prosecutors in hopes of securing a favorable plea agreement, arguing to keep evidence out of trial, or litigating your case in front of a jury, Attorney Mayberry has the knowledge, skill, and dedication needed to secure the best possible result in even the toughest cases. To learn more, and to schedule a free and confidential consultation, give the Mayberry Law Firm a call at (813) 444-7435. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.