Sex Offenses

Sexual Battery
Rape is an understandably deeply serious crime that has devastating effects on victims as well as those accused of committing these crimes. In Florida, the criminal statute governing rape is outlined under Florida Statute 794.011. This statute defines the offense of sexual battery, which includes non-consensual sexual intercourse involving force, threat, or coercion. Under Florida law, sexual battery refers to any penetration, however slight, of the vagina, anus, or mouth without the victim’s consent. The act can involve the use of physical force, the threat of harm, or taking advantage of a person’s incapacitation due to substances or other circumstances that render them unable to give voluntary consent.

Sexual battery is considered a first-degree felony in Florida, carrying severe penalties upon conviction. The exact penalties may vary based on the specific circumstances of the case, including factors such as the age of the victim and the presence of aggravating circumstances. Potential consequences include significant prison sentences, substantial fines, mandatory registration as a sexual offender, and other legal ramifications.

Regarding the statute of limitations for rape in Florida, it is important to note that the law has evolved over time. The statute of limitations for sexual battery offenses committed on or after October 1, 2016, was eliminated. This means that there is no time limit for prosecuting cases of rape or sexual battery that occurred on or after this date. For offenses committed prior to October 1, 2016, the statute of limitations depends on the specific details of the case, including the age of the victim and the nature of the offense.

If you or someone you know is facing rape charges, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Our team at Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. is here to provide you with knowledgeable legal counsel and fight to protect your rights during this time of high stigma. Contact 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

Prostitution
Prostitution is a criminal offense in Florida, governed by Florida Statute 796.07. The statute addresses both the act of engaging in prostitution (soliciting) and accepting payment for prostitution. It is important to note that engaging in any form of prostitution, whether as the individual offering sexual services or as the one seeking such services, is prohibited under the law.

For the defendant accused of committing prostitution (soliciting): Engaging in prostitution involves offering, agreeing to, or engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or other valuable items. It is illegal to solicit, induce, entice, or procure another person for the purposes of engaging in prostitution. Defendants accused of soliciting prostitution may face various penalties if convicted. In Florida, prostitution is generally classified as a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines, probation, mandatory attendance at educational programs or counseling, and community service. Repeat offenses may result in more severe penalties.

For the defendant unlawfully accepting prostitution: Unlawfully accepting or receiving payment for prostitution involves accepting money, goods, or other forms of compensation in exchange for sexual acts or the promise of such acts. This includes acting as a pimp, procuring clients, or managing a prostitution operation.

Defendants accused of accepting prostitution can face serious consequences if convicted. The offense could be considered a felony and carry harsher penalties compared to solicitation charges. Penalties may include imprisonment, high fines, probation, mandatory counseling or rehabilitation programs, and a criminal record that can have long-lasting personal and professional consequences.

It is important to remember that engaging in prostitution has societal and public health implications, which is why it is heavily regulated and prohibited. Florida aims to protect individuals involved in the sex trade and deter exploitation, human trafficking, and other related criminal activities.

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to prostitution, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. If you are facing prostitution charges in South Florida, including Broward County, Miami-Dade County, or Palm Beach County, contact us at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation. We are here to provide skilled legal preparation and representation to conquer your case.

Lewd & Lascivious

Lewd and Lascivious offenses in Florida are governed by Florida Statutes 800.04 and 800.03. Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. is well-versed in defending individuals against the accusation of Lewd and Lascivious offenses. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective legal representation to protect your rights and vigorously defend your case.

Lewd and Lascivious offenses encompass a wide range of behaviors, including engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct or behavior. It’s important to note that these offenses can involve various circumstances, not solely limited to being accused of being involved with with minors. Whether the offense involves a minor or a situation where the accused was caught alone, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side to navigate the complexities of these cases because of the reasons mentioned.

Lewd and Lascivious offenses can be classified into different degrees, depending on the severity of the offense and the age of the victim. The penalties for these offenses can vary, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Misdemeanor offenses may result in imprisonment, fines, probation, and mandatory counseling or treatment programs. Felony offenses carry more severe consequences, such as longer prison sentences, higher fines, and the possibility of mandatory registration as a sexual offender or predator.

It’s important to be aware that individuals with a history of multiple sexual offenses may face additional consequences under the Jimmy Ryce Act. This Act allows for the involuntary civil commitment of individuals deemed sexually violent predators. This means that in certain cases, even after serving their sentence, individuals can be held in a secure treatment facility if they are determined to pose a continued threat to society.

If you are facing charges related to Lewd and Lascivious offenses in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, or Palm Beach County, our skilled legal team is here to protect your rights and provide you with a robust defense. We will thoroughly analyze the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and explore all available defenses to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Prepare to conquer your case and contact Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Failure of Sex Offender Compliance
In Florida, the criminal statute addressing the failure of sex offender compliance is outlined under Florida Statute 943.0435. This strict statute subjects Registered sex offenders in Florida to specific requirements and obligations designed to monitor and manage their day to day activities. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious legal consequences. Examples of failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements include:

Failure to register: Registered sex offenders must adhere to strict registration guidelines, which include providing accurate personal information, addresses, and any changes to their circumstances. Failure to register or providing false information is a criminal offense.
Failure to update registration: Sex offenders are required to keep their registration information up to date. This includes promptly reporting any changes in residence, employment, owned vehicles, or other pertinent information. Failure to update registration can lead to non-compliance charges.
Failure to report changes: Registered sex offenders must report changes in their living arrangements, employment, educational institutions, and online identifiers. This information is crucial for law enforcement to effectively monitor and track their activities. Failure to report these changes can result in legal consequences.
Violation of residency restrictions: Sex offenders may face restrictions on where they can reside, especially concerning proximity to schools, parks, and other areas where children congregate. Violating these residency restrictions can lead to charges of non-compliance.
Failure to adhere to supervision conditions: Sex offenders must comply with specific supervision conditions imposed by the court. This may include attending counseling programs, participating in treatment, or complying with curfews. Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in non-compliance charges.

The consequences for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements can be severe. Offenders may face criminal charges, including additional prison time, fines, or probation revocation. Non-compliance may also lead to increased scrutiny by law enforcement and a higher risk of reoffending.

If you or someone you know is a registered sex offender and facing allegations of non-compliance, it is crucial to seek immediate legal assistance. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance, protect your rights, and help navigate the complex legal process associated with sex offender registration requirements.

If you are facing charges related to Failure of Sex Offender Compliance in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, or Palm Beach County, our experienced attorneys are here to provide you with knowledgeable and effective representation. Don’t navigate these complex legal matters alone. Contact Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Unlawful Activity with Minors

As dedicated criminal defense attorneys, this law firm aims to provide valuable defense strategies among even the most delicate of Florida criminal violation accusations such as unlawful sexual activity with minors. Unlawful sexual activity with minors encompasses a range of offenses involving engaging in sexual acts or conduct with individuals who are unable to legally provide consent due to their age. Florida’s criminal statutes classify these offenses based on their severity, with different levels indicating varying degrees of the statutory violations and their associated penalties.

Lewd or Lascivious Acts:
- Lewd or Lascivious Molestation: This offense involves engaging in indecent or inappropriate acts with a minor. The severity of the offense can depend on factors such as the age of the minor and the nature of the conduct.
- Lewd or Lascivious Conduct: This offense encompasses a broader range of inappropriate sexual behavior involving minors, including indecent exposure or encouraging minors to engage in sexual acts.
Sexual Battery:
- Sexual Battery: Also known as rape or forcible sexual penetration, this offense involves non-consensual sexual acts with a minor. It is considered one of the most serious sexual offenses, carrying significant penalties.
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor:
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor: This offense pertains to actions that encourage or facilitate a minor’s engagement in unlawful sexual activity. It may involve providing drugs or alcohol, coercion, or persuasion to engage in sexual acts.

The penalties for unlawful sexual activity with minors vary depending on the specific offense, the age of the minor, the presence of aggravating factors, and the defendant’s criminal history. Penalties can range from imprisonment to fines, probation, significant prison time, mandatory counseling, and mandatory sex offender registration.

Computer Sex Crimes

Florida’s criminal statutes encompass various offenses related to computer sex crimes, which involve the use of computers, the internet, or digital communication platforms for sexual exploitation, grooming, or solicitation of minors. Unlawful Sexual Conduct Involving Computer Crimes is addressed under Florida Statutes 847.0135 and 847.0137.

Under these statutes, it is unlawful to use a computer or electronic device to engage in explicit or indecent communication with a minor or to solicit a minor for sexual acts. These offenses aim to protect minors from exploitation and safeguard their well-being in the digital realm. The elements that the government must prove to establish guilt in such cases include intentional communication, knowledge of the minor’s age, and the explicit or indecent nature of the communication.

The penalties for unlawful sexual conduct involving computer crimes can be severe and vary depending on the specific offense and the individual’s prior criminal history. Convictions for these offenses can result in significant prison sentences, fines, mandatory sex offender registration, probation, and other court-ordered restrictions. It is important to note that the severity of the penalties may increase if certain aggravating factors are present, such as repeat offenses or the involvement of multiple minors.

Don’t face these serious charges alone. If you are facing charges related to unlawful sexual conduct involving computer crimes in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, or Palm Beach County, our skilled attorneys are here to help. Contact Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our goal is to provide you with a strong defense and guide you through the legal process with compassion and professionalism.

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is a serious crime addressed under Florida Statutes 787.06 and 787.07. Section 787.06 of the Florida Statutes addresses the crime of human trafficking, which involves the exploitation and coercion of individuals for forced labor or sexual purposes. The State of Florida has implemented these comprehensive criminal statutes to combat the pervasive issue of human trafficking and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals.

Under Section 787.06, human trafficking encompasses various offenses, including:

Trafficking in Persons: This offense refers to the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sexual exploitation. It includes both domestic and international trafficking.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: This offense targets the recruitment, transportation, or solicitation of minors for sexual purposes, such as child prostitution, child pornography, or any form of sexual exploitation involving minors.
Labor Trafficking: Labor trafficking involves exploiting individuals for forced labor or involuntary servitude. It encompasses situations where individuals are coerced or deceived into working under exploitative conditions in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, or domestic work.

Under Florida law, human trafficking involves recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining another person through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. This offense aims to combat the exploitation and victimization of individuals, including both adults and minors, for various forms of labor or sexual exploitation. Because of this state goal, Florida’s criminal statutes against human trafficking impose severe penalties on offenders. Convictions for human trafficking offenses can result in significant prison sentences, substantial fines, restitution to victims, mandatory sex offender registration (in cases involving sexual exploitation of minors), and other court-ordered requirements.

The elements that the government must prove to establish guilt in human trafficking cases include the recruitment, harboring, or transportation of another person, the use of force, fraud, or coercion, and the intention to exploit the person for labor or sexual purposes. It is important to note that human trafficking offenses can involve both domestic and international victims, and the penalties can be severe. The penalties for human trafficking convictions depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the age of the victim. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, mandatory restitution to the victims, and sex offender registration. Additionally, human trafficking offenses may also involve federal charges, leading to even more severe consequences.

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to human trafficking in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, or Palm Beach County, our skilled attorneys are here to help. Contact Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation. We are here to prepare to conquer your case.

Sex Offenses

Criminal Law

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