Accused or Under Investigation? Talk to an Orlando Sex Crimes Lawyer Who Will Protect Your Name and Your Future.

It depends on the charge, the complexity of the evidence, whether digital forensics or experts are needed and whether the case goes to trial. Your first consultation is free and confidential, and we'll explain our fee and what it covers in writing before you decide.

Under § 794.011, sexual battery between adults without aggravating circumstances is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years. Aggravating circumstances such as threats or incapacity make it a first-degree felony, and using a weapon or force likely to cause serious injury makes it a life felony. Allegations involving a child under 12 can be a capital felony. A conviction also requires sex offender registration and can never be sealed.

It's possible, though no attorney can promise it. Charges can be dropped or reduced when the investigation shows inconsistent statements, a lack of corroboration, consent in an adult case, unreliable forensic evidence, or statements and searches obtained in violation of your rights. Early involvement — ideally before charges are filed — gives you the most options.

Not every sex-related charge requires registration, but most sex offense convictions do under § 943.0435, generally for life. That's why the specific charge and how the case resolves matter so much. In limited close-in-age cases, Florida's Romeo and Juliet law (§ 943.04354) lets a court remove the requirement. We evaluate every option with registration in mind.

Section 943.04354 lets a person ask the court to remove the requirement to register if the conviction was for certain offenses under §§ 800.04, 827.071 or 847.0135(5), the other person was 13 to 17 years old, the defendant was no more than 4 years older, and it's their only qualifying offense. The court must also find that removal doesn't conflict with federal law. It doesn't prevent prosecution, and a denied motion can't be refiled.

Yes. Florida doesn't require physical evidence or independent witnesses to arrest or charge someone with a sex offense — the alleged victim's account can be enough. That's why a careful, independent investigation of the accuser's statements, timeline and motives is often the most important part of the defense.

They usually start with a report to law enforcement or the Department of Children and Families. Investigators may record interviews, seek warrants for phones and computers, and arrange a recorded call or messages between the accuser and the accused. Detectives often contact the person under investigation before any arrest. Anything you say at that stage can be used against you, so speak to a sex crimes attorney first.

Yes — especially then. False or mistaken accusations can grow out of custody disputes, breakups or misidentification, and the truth alone doesn't stop an arrest. Our Orlando sex crimes defense attorneys keep you from making statements that can be twisted, investigate independently and build a defense that puts the full story in front of the prosecutor, judge or jury.