Gainesville, Ocala and Bushnell Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
Have you or a loved one been accused of a sex crime in Florida?
Being accused of any type of sex crime in Florida could literally ruin your life forever. Without a skilled attorney to defend your rights, you have almost no chance of obtaining a favorable outcome for your case. Because of public cases involving sex crimes, particularly those involving children, a person facing sex crime charges will more than likely face prejudice and discrimination from law enforcement, the jury and even court personnel.
Florida has some of the most stringent laws in place when it comes to sex offenses and their penalties. In 2005, Florida implemented Jessica's Law, which laid out strict laws in regards to registered sex offenders. Jessica's Law served to increase the penalty for certain sex crimes as well as to implement a law regarding mandatory electronic monitoring devices for registered sex offenders. These laws have garnered controversy regarding their possible infringement on Constitutional rights and whether the penalties are too harsh for non-violent sex offenders.
Defending Sex Crime Charges in Florida
Criminal defense lawyer Robert G. Whittel is dedicated to protecting those people who have been charged with any type of sex crime throughout Florida. We have offices in Ocala, Bushnell and Gainesville and deal with a broad variety of cases, including child molestation, child pornography, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, statutory rape, indecent exposure and much more.
Regardless of the charges you face, you will need an experienced attorney on your side who can effectively defend your rights and protect your future. Robert G. Whittel is a former prosecutor who is now on your side. His past as a prosecutor has given him unique knowledge of both sides of any criminal charge, and he applies this knowledge to every case he takes on. If you are looking for a defense lawyer who will treat you with respect and dignity and who will fight for you in and out of the courtroom, you have come to the right place.
Penalties for Sex Offenses
The penalties for sex-related offenses in Florida are severe. Some specific penalties are listed below:
- Sexual battery of a child under 12 (by an offender under 18 years old) - Life Felony - imprisonment for life or probation for life.
- Attempted sexual battery of a child under 12 - 1st Degree Felony - 30 years in state prison.
- Sexual battery of a child over 12 - 1st Degree Felony - 30 years in state prison.
- Lewd & lascivious acts with a child under the age of 12 (by an offender 18 years or older) - Life Felony - imprisonment for life with a minimum sentence of 25 years.
- Failure to register as a sex offender - 3rd Degree Felony - 5 years in state prison.
- Mandatory electronic monitoring device for registered sex offenders released from prison.
Be sure that you don't take a chance with your future and your freedom. Consult Gainesville sex crimes attorney Robert G. Whittel regarding your case to see what your options are at this point. Simply by having the excellent representation of a dedicated attorney, you have the chance to avoid sex offender registration, many years in prison and a ruined reputation.
Accused of a sex crime in Bushnell, Ocala or Gainesville? Contact criminal defense lawyer Robert Whittel today!