Gainesville, Ocala and Bushnell Child Molestation Defense Attorney

Florida Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer

Child molestation, or lewd and lascivious molestation, is a felony offense in Florida. Depending upon your age and the age of the child, you may face life in state prison. You will also face registration as a sex offender and may be required to wear an electronic tracking device if you are ever released from prison.

Florida's strict laws in regards to sex crimes only increase the need for a skilled criminal defense attorney for anyone accused of or charged with any type of sex crime. With child molestation in particular, the shocking and graphic nature of the accusations alone may turn the jury against you from day one. But with an experienced trial attorney to defend your rights and relay your side of the story, the jury will have the opportunity to hear what you have to say.

Robert G. Whittel is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is also a former criminal prosecutor. With offices in Gainesville, Ocala and Bushnell, attorney Whittel and his legal team take on child molestation cases throughout Florida.

Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

According to Florida Statutes, Title XLVI, Chapter 800.04 (d), lewd and lascivious molestation is the intentional touching of the breasts, buttocks or genitals of a child under the age of 16, in an indecent or sexual manner. This also includes enticing or forcing a child to touch the perpetrator. 

Severe penalties apply to a person who is accused of lewd and lascivious molestation or child molestation. They are as follows:

• If the offender is 18 or older and the victim is under 12 years old, this is a Life Felony. The convicted will face a lifetime of imprisonment.
• If the offender is under 18 and the victim is under 12, or if the offender is 18 or over and the victim is 12 to 15 years old, this is a 2nd Degree Felony. The convicted will face a state prison sentence of up to 15 years.
• If the offender is under 18 and the victim is 12 to 15, this is a 3rd Degree Felony. The convicted will face up to 5 years in state prison.

Contact Gainesville child molestation defense attorney Robert G. Whittel today!