Crime Rates Drop, Sexual Assaults on the Rise

Florida’s overall crime rate has dropped, but the number of reported sex offenses and sexual assaults is rising.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released Friday a summary of crime information for the six months of 2015.

The report showed overall crime volume dropped 2.2 percent compared to the first six months of last year. The numbers are based on information submitted by law-enforcement agencies across the state.

The number of murders so far this year in the Sunshine State has dropped slightly from 492 in the first half of 2015 to 489 in the first half of 2015.

However, FDLE reported that there has been a 7.1 percent increase in forcible sex offenses and a 5.4 percent increase in the number of sexual assaults. Domestic violence crimes also rose 1.7 percent during the first half of 2015.

If you have been accused of a sexual offense, it is important to call a sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton at 866-608-5529.

An early defense is crucial to the outcome of a sex crimes case. The earlier we begin to prepare your defense, the greater your chances for a successful outcome. We help people accused of sex crimes involving:

• Sexual assault
• Statutory rape
• Rape
• Undercover sex stings
• Child sex abuse
• Domestic Violence/Spousal Rape

At Whittel & Melton, our Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers protect the rights of people accused of sexually based offenses who face stiff consequences and mandatory minimum penalties.

If you are suspected of committing a sex crime, please call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We can help you understand what to expect in regards to sex crime matters.