Sex crimes are some of the most severe crimes that a person can be charged with and often come with serious penalties. In such cases, qualified and skilled representation is critical.
If you are facing sex crime charges in Sarasota, FL, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer from Van Elswyk Law to protect your rights. Contact us for a confidential consultation to learn how we can advocate on your behalf today.
Do Not Give Up Your Rights
Florida prosecutors may try to intimidate you into surrendering your rights when you are facing sex crime charges by threatening a decades-long jail sentence or other severe consequences.
All too often, these threats lead people to falsely confess or accept much higher penalties than they should. At Van Elswyk Law, our dedicated team works aggressively to prevent such outcomes for our clients. We protect your rights from day one and fight for your freedom every step of the way.
Sex Offenses in Florida
Sexual crimes in Florida range in severity from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on what actions are alleged and the age of the victim. These crimes may include:
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Inappropriate touching
- Failure to register as a sex offender
- Child pornography
- Sexual assault
- Rape
Typically, if a charge involves a minor who is 15 years old or younger, the penalties are more serious.
Penalties for Sex Offenses
If you are charged with a sex offense as a misdemeanor, the potential penalties are usually fines and probation. You may also face jail time, but it should not be for more than one year.
Prostitution, indecent exposure, and inappropriate touching are generally charged as misdemeanors, as long as they do not involve a minor and it is a first-time offense. Other offenses are charged as felonies regardless of who the victim is. The sentence for a felony includes prison time with a maximum greater than one year.
For any crime that involves violence or minors, the maximum sentence may be over a decade and include more serious penalties. Furthermore, nearly everyone who is convicted of a sexual offense in Florida is required to register as a sex offender.
At Van Elswyk Law, we fight hard to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We can negotiate for reduced charges, fewer years in prison, and a greater likelihood of receiving probation instead of jail time.
Additionally, we can fight to keep you off the sex offender registry. Being placed on the registry often destroys lives, even of people who committed relatively minor offenses. Avoiding registration can protect both your future and your quality of life.
How We Fight Sex Charges at Van Elswyk Law
Typically, when someone is convicted of a sex crime, they may have spoken to the police or a district attorney without a lawyer.
As an ex-prosecutor of sex crimes, Brice Van Elswyk understands the consequences of speaking to authorities without representation. That is why the first thing we do when you retain us is assert your right to remain silent.
After exercising this right, we passionately attack the evidence and procedures of the police and prosecutors, if applicable. Unfortunately, authorities may ignore the rights of the accused in their eagerness to secure a conviction.
If any of the evidence against you is illegally obtained or any of your other rights were violated, we will fight to get evidence tossed or charges dropped.
In most sex offense cases, physical evidence is limited. The prosecution’s case is often based almost entirely on the testimony of a single witness. This means that these types of cases are often weaker than the prosecution is willing to admit.
Due to our experience prosecuting these types of cases, we have a unique advantage in defending against these charges. We use that advantage to negotiate for reduced charges and sentences effectively.
Contact a Sarasota, FL, Criminal Defense Lawyer at Van Elswyk Law Today
Being charged with a sexual offense can destroy your life. Public record laws in Florida mean that your name will suffer regardless of whether you are guilty or innocent. And even if you committed a small offense, prosecutors will often attempt to overcharge you just to avoid appearing weak on crime.
At Van Elswyk Law, we will do everything in our power to protect your reputation and your rights. As a boutique legal practice with a focus on criminal defense and civil litigation, we can provide the powerful representation you need to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
We proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding area. If you are facing sex crime charges in Florida, it is critical not to fight them alone. You need a seasoned advocate on your side. Contact Van Elswyk Law to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney today.