Sexually motivated crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Florida and carry severe penalties for alleged offenders. In addition to lengthy terms of incarceration and substantial fines, people convicted of these criminal offenses can also be required to register as sex offenders—a punishment that has profound impact on the ability to find employment or housing.
Many arrests for alleged sex crimes are heavily based on the claims of alleged victims. Even when accusations are false or exaggerated, alleged offenders can be convicted simply because of misspeaking when confronted by investigators.
Do you believe that you could be the target of a criminal investigation or were you already arrested for allegedly committing a sex crime in Florida? Do not make any kind of statement to authorities without legal representation.
Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza of Terrezza Law defends clients from Navarre, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and surrounding communities in the greater Pensacola area. You can have him review your case during a completely free initial consultation by calling (850) 764-5291 or completing an online contact form today.
Numerous crimes are considered sexual offenses under Florida law. A few of the most common sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
The possible penalties for a sexual offense vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the alleged victim, alleged use of a deadly weapon, and whether the alleged offender has been previously convicted of a sex crime.
People who have been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for qualify sex offenses can be required to register as a sex offender in Florida. Some convicted sex offenders are required to register for life while others have to wait 20 years before being able to petition for removal of this designation.
Sex offenders and sexual predators are listed on a public registry website. Depending on their criminal record, sex offenders and sexual predators are required to register at their local county sheriff’s office either twice a year or four times a year.
The information that they are required to provide to the sheriff’s office includes, but is not limited to:
Failure to register as a sex offender is a felony offense in Florida.
Shelter House — Shelter House is a non-profit center serving sexual violence victims and survivors in Okaloosa County and Walton County. On this website, you can learn more about the center’s history, read about the services the center provides, and view upcoming events. The website also has a section dedicated to resources for sexual violence victims and ways to reduce your risks.
Administration Office
16 Ferry Road SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 243-1201
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) — The FCASV is a statewide nonprofit organization “committed to victims and survivors of sexual violence and the sexual assault crisis programs who serve them.” On this website, you can find information for victims, download a victim rights brochure, and view various facts and statistics. You can also read about the organization’s mission, vision, and statements of belief.
If you have been arrested or suspect that you might be currently under investigation for allegedly committing a sexually-motivated crime in Florida, you will want to immediately retain legal counsel. Terrezza Law defends clients accused of sex crimes in communities all over Okaloosa County, Walton County, Santa Rosa County, and Escambia County.
John Terrezza is criminal defense attorney in Pensacola who fights to achieve the best possible outcome with the fewest possible penalties. Call (850) 764-5291 or fill out an online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation that will let our lawyer review your case.