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Melbourne Sex Crimes Attorneys

Experienced Defense Against Sex Crimes in Brevard County

Sex crimes are among the most serious criminal charges with far-reaching and lasting consequences for convictions. Even the accusation of a sex crime creates a stigma that can ruin someone’s life, reputation, and career. For this reason, you should immediately contact an experienced attorney when accused of a sex crime. The Melbourne sex crimes lawyers at Funk, Szachacz & Diamond represent clients facing criminal charges for sex crimes.

We understand this can be a frightening time. Call (321) 360-4446 for legal advice on your sex offense charges with Board Certified Melbourne lawyers.

Types of Sex Crimes in Florida

A wide variety of acts are classified as sex crimes in Florida. Possession of child pornography, lewd and lascivious behavior, and unlawful sex with minors, statutory rape, sexual battery, and rape are some of the most common criminal charges.

Are Sexual Battery and Rape Considered the Same Thing?

Yes, the term Sexual battery is used to describe both forcible rape and statutory rape (sexual relations with a minor). This includes oral, anal or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sex organ of another, or the anal or vaginal penetration by any other object.

Depending on the circumstances, sexual battery can be a capital felony, life felony or a first or second degree felony. Anyone soliciting another to engage in an act that would constitute sexual battery is guilty of a third degree felony.

What is Lewd and Lascivious Conduct?

There are varying degrees of this crime and various acts which constitute a violation of Florida law as it relates to sex with minors.

In general, the age of the victim and to a degree the age of the defendant effect the seriousness of the charge and penalties. All can carry a significant prison sentence as well as designation as a sexual predator or sexual offender. Jimmy Rice Act ramifications can also apply.

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Florida?

Conviction of sex crimes carries harsh penalties. The specific penalty depends on the charges, the age of the victim, and other unique factors of the situation. Generally, the more severe the crime, the longer the prison term. The age of the victim and whether the person is a first time offender can also factor into the punishment in a specific case.

A conviction carries penalties that include:

  • Mandatory Incarceration – All felony sex crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. The length of the sentence depends on the specific charges and other factors.

  • Strict Sex Offender Probation – People convicted of felony sex offenses are placed on this probation. This requires mandatory counseling for sex offenders, imposes a curfew, and restricts where you can live and work.

  • Sex Offender Registration – Sex offender registration is required in Florida and throughout the United States. Residency information must be updated every three to six months for the rest of the person’s life.

  • Post-Release Civil Commitment – The State Attorney can seek to have a sex offender committed to a civil facility after release from prison. This keeps the person locked up after completion of the prison sentence.

Although penalties vary depending on the crime, all carry the possibility of lengthy prison sentences and the conviction will follow you long after you are released. All three of our board certified Melbourne sex crimes attorneys work together on every case to build a solid defense strategy and protect the rights and interests of our clients.

If you have been accused of a sex crime, call our office at (321) 360-4446 to discuss your case with an attorney.

Our Case Results

From murder charges to alleged fraud, our case successes speak for themselves. Our clients themselves testify to the premium care that our firm holds as a standard for all of our cases.
  • Dismissed A tennis pro, Mr. D. was arrested and accused of 6 felony counts of Performing Lewd Acts Upon a Minor. After nearly three years of investigation by the firm, the government eventually dismissed all felonies against Mr. D. 6 felony counts of Performing Lewd Acts Upon a Minor Sex Crimes
  • Dismissed Mr. B. was arrested and charged with Lewd & Lascivious Battery. After four years of investigation into the case and the alleged victim, Mr. B. agreed to a plea that resulted in him not being convicted and not serving 1 day in jail or prison. Lewd & Lascivious Battery Sex Crimes
  • Acquitted Mr. G. was a popular former school teacher charged who was charged with numerous counts of Misusing a Child in a Sexual Performance as well as numerous counts of Possession of Child Pornography. After an extraordinary two jury trials, Mr. G. was acquitted of all allegations. Misusing a Child in a Sexual Performance as Well as Numerous Counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Sex Crimes
  • Acquitted A prominent engineer, Mr. H. was arrested and formally charged with Lewd & Lascivious Act On/Presence of a Child Under 16. Mr. H. maintained his innocence from the day he walked into the firm and demanded a jury trial. After a contentious jury trial, Mr. H. was acquitted of all accusations. Lewd & Lascivious Act On/Presence of a Child Under 16. Sex Crimes
  • Dismissed A former Division 1 football player and high school coach, Mr. V. was arrested and charged by the Government with 3 felony counts of Using a Computer to Solicit a Child. In the face of public opinion against Mr. V., the attorneys resolved the case in Mr. V.’s favor resulting in no felony convictions and Mr. V serving neither jail nor prison. 3 Felony Counts of Using a Computer to Solicit a Child Sex Crimes
  • Dismissed Woman charged with 10 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts Upon a Child and 2 counts of felony Interference With Custody. On the eve of trial, partners successfully negotiated a misdemeanor resolution with no penalty. The government dismissed all 10 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts Upon a Child and all other felonies. 10 Counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts upon a Child and 2 Counts of Felony Interference with Custody. Sex Crimes
  • Re-Sentence When Mr. S. requested help from the attorneys, he had been convicted of Attempted Sexual Battery of a Child Under 12 and Lewd & Lascivious Act Upon a Child and sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison. After investigation, the attorneys filed a Motion for Post Conviction Relief claiming Ineffective Assistance of Counsel. On the day of hearing, the Government agreed to re-sentence Mr. S. to probation and no prison. Sexual Battery of a Child Under 12 and Lewd & Lascivious Act Upon a Child Sex Crimes
  • Received a Non-Incarcerative Sentence Accused of Sexual Battery and Lewd & Lascivious Acts Upon a Child. After emotionally driven negotiations and public protest, Mr. Z. received a non-incarcerative sentence. Sexual Battery and Lewd & Lascivious Acts Upon a Child. Sex Crimes
  • Acquitted Mr. H. was arrested for 40 counts of Sexual Acts With a Minor. Maintaining his innocence from day one, Mr. H. was acquitted of all counts after jury trial. 40 counts of Sexual Acts With a Minor. Sex Crimes
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  • World Justice Project
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Contact Us Today

Entrust your case to a proven and esteemed defense team.
  1. All of our attorneys are certified by the Florida State Bar, making them the only all certified team in the state.
  2. We do not cut corners. Every case is handled with the utmost integrity and complete honesty.
  3. From NASA employees to school teachers, our team has an undeniable track record of success.
  4. We take your case seriously and personally. You deserve diligent representation.
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