Prosecutors charge sex crimes to the fullest extent of the law. Even allegations, alone, carry a hefty stigma, and many defendants are presumed guilty. If you are convicted of a sex offense, you could face fines, prison time, and mandatory sex offender registration. A criminal conviction could follow you for years to come, impacting where you can live and your ability to get a job. Not to mention, a sex crime conviction can permanently alter your personal and professional reputation. However, you have resources.
When you face these charges, it is important that you contact a lawyer to discuss your options and potential St. Petersburg sex crimes penalties. We could work with you to develop a defense strategy to fight against the charges and protect your rights throughout the process. The prosecution has a heavy burden in criminal cases and must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged sex crime occurred. Speak to our experienced sex crimes attorneys about the potential penalties associated with your charges.
A sex crime could involve any non-consensual and unlawful sexual contact. While the use or threat of force is often a factor, it is not necessary to convict someone of a sex crime. Some minor sex offenses are misdemeanors while others are felonies and are accompanied by harsher penalties. Some examples of common sex crimes, allegations include:
Be sure to consult an attorney in St. Peterburg about the sex crime charges you are facing to understand the possible penalties.
The penalties associated with a sex crime conviction in St. Peterburg depend heavily on the charge and other relevant factors, include the victim’s age, the defendant’s relationship to them, criminal history, and the context of the offense. A defense attorney could work to ensure someone accused of a sex offense is treated fairly and argue for the best possible outcome. Potential penalties for sex crimes in this state include:
Misdemeanors, such as prostitution or indecent exposure, carry potential jail time and fines, while felonies such as sexual assault, battery, or child pornography offenses, can result in extensive prison sentences and heavy fines. A sex crime allegation should not be taken lightly as a person convicted could spend years in prison and be subject to other harsh consequences.
Even misdemeanor offenses require sex offender registration, which can impact employment and housing opportunities and effect the person’s reputation in their community. An experienced attorney could work to identify mitigating factors in a case and can advocate for dismissal or reduction in charges if appropriate.
Under our criminal justice system, defendants are innocent until proven guilty. If the government cannot prove their case against you, your charges should be dropped. Our team of lawyers could advocate for your rights and fight for you every step of the way.
We understand that your future is at risk when you are facing a sex crime allegation but encourage you to not give up. We could review your case to determine if the charges are appropriate. Then we could advocate for you based on any mitigating factors or defenses available to you to avoid harsh punishments. When you are accused of a sex crime, be sure to contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss St. Petersburg sex crimes penalties.