Manatee County Couple Faces 15 Years for Having Sex on the Beach

A Bradenton couple’s trial for charges of having sex on a public beach is scheduled to resume Monday.

On Friday, jurors heard graphic testimony from people who witnessed the couple, according to reports.

A 20-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man are both charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition.

The man apparently told jurors that he and the woman were not having sex and that witnesses were mistaken.

Witnesses video taped the couple and called 911 to complain that the they were acting inappropriately in front of families who were at the beach on a Sunday afternoon at the beach.

If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison, $10,000 fines and mandatory registration as sex offenders.

Even a simple misunderstanding can be viewed as lewd and lascivious exhibition if it can be proven that the act was carried out purposely so that other people would intentionally have a view of another person’s sexual organs. One momentary lapse of judgement can result in a very serious sex crimes charge. A charge of this nature should not be ignored, which is why you need an experienced Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton on your side fighting for your rights.

Lewd and lascivious exhibition is classified as a sex crime, and a conviction can result in a felony, which means that you will be forced to register as a sex offender. It is very important to understand the consequences of this type of charge because even accidentally or unknowingly exposing yourself in a public area can lead to criminal charges.

If you are facing a lewd and lascivious exhibition charge, you want to fight to protect your rights due to the fact that you could be required to register as a sexual offender for a lengthy period of time. A Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you safeguard your future opportunities and your reputation. Contact us today online or call 866-608-5529 for a free initial consultation.