Out of all the states in the U.S., Florida has some of the most severe penalties for those convicted of a sex crime. At the very least, those found guilty can be made to register as a sex offender for decades. At worst, a person could be designated a sexual predator and receive the harshest punishments allowed under state law.
Those accused of a sex crime are at risk of losing years of their life to prison and forever being seen by friends, family, and employers as a sex offender, especially if they forgo the assistance of an experienced lawyer. To begin the trying but necessary process of defending your name, contact a sex crimes attorney in St. Petersburg from Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan.
Why You Need a Sex Crime Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg
Many sex crimes carry harsh penalties for those found guilty. For example, in Florida, sexual battery (rape) committed upon a person over the age of 18 without the use of violence is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Penalties like these only become harsher as the severity of the crime increases and the age of the victim decreases. Here are just a few examples of sex crimes:
- Sexual Battery
- Sexual Misconduct
- Lewd and Lascivious Offenses
- Human Trafficking
- Child Pornography
- Video Voyeurism of a Minor
- Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors
- Solicitation of Prostitution from a Minor
What do all of the above crimes have in common? They are qualifying sex offenses that require those convicted to be branded a sexual offender or sexual predator and made to register with local authorities. No matter where you go in the United States, this is a stigma that will always hang over you. Finding a place to live and a job that will take you will be challenging, and it can take decades to be removed from the Florida sex offender registry. Don’t forget, this is all in addition to prison time and large fines. Can you truly afford to have your life forever altered by a sex crime conviction?
Consult an Experienced Team of Attorneys
Those accused of a sex crime must defend against allegations that often come down to one person’s word against another’s. An experienced sex crimes attorney in St. Petersburg can employ a number of defenses to safeguard not only your freedom but your reputation as well. These defenses include arguing that you were falsely accused, had consent, or fell victim to entrapment. In many cases, we are able to argue that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that a crime took place.
No matter the defense, Marc Pelletier and Tim Sullivan will fight tirelessly to clear your name and secure your freedom. With Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, you gain the benefit of a legal team with experience both prosecuting and defending the accused. As former state prosecutors with decades of experience in criminal defense, they are uniquely qualified to defend you. Contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan to discuss the specifics of your case and begin the process of having your charges potentially dropped or dismissed.
For a free consultation with a sex crime defense attorney in St. Petersburg, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan at (727) 578-0303 today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
