Facing charges for a sex crime can be overwhelming, frightening, and life-changing. A conviction for a sex crime can result in prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and relationships, and more. These crimes are also charged at the state or federal level. At Arias and Pereira, PLLC, our Miami sex crimes attorneys understand what’s at stake and are here to fight for your constitutional rights, your reputation, and your future. Contact us today at (305)361-2424 or click “Contact Us” and fill out the form to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Florida Sex Crime Laws

Under Chapter 794 of the Florida Statutes, sex crimes include a wide range of offenses such as:

• Statutory rape: Sexual intercourse with a minor, regardless if the minor consents. The legal age of consent in Florida is 18 years of age.

• Child Sexual Abuse: Includes any unlawful sexual activity with a minor, whether physical or non-physical.

• Sexual Assault/Battery: Any unlawful and non-consensual sexual penetration or other sexual behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. This includes rape, attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, groping, or forcing the victim to perform sexual acts. Unwanted sexual penetration can be vaginal, oral or anal means and can be done using a body part or foreign object.

• Indecent exposure: Intentionally exposing one’s genitals or private parts, or engaging in sexual conduct in public or where others are present without their consent. This is generally a misdemeanor in Florida.

• Sexual harassment: Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive work environment.

• Possession or distribution of child pornography: This involves images and videos of minors in sexually explicit poses who may be nude or engaging in sexual activity with other minors or adults.

• Solicitation or enticement of a minor: The use of online platforms, and any internet or electronic device to seduce, lure, solicit, or entice a minor, or person believed to be a minor, to engage in unlawful sexual behavior.

• Failure to register as a sex offender: In Florida, failing to register as a sex offender is a criminal offense, typically a third-degree felony, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Penalties for the above-mentioned crimes vary based on the nature of the offense, the age of the alleged victim, prior convictions, and whether force or coercion was used. Florida law often mandates minimum mandatory sentences, and some offenses carry life imprisonment or civil commitment as a sexually violent predator after incarceration.