Lewd & Lascivious Behavior Defense Attorneys in Orlando

Providing Clients With Aggressive Legal Representation When They Need it Most

If you or a family member have been charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, you must obtain experienced legal representation immediately. Florida has some of the strictest felony laws in the nation that deal with sex crimes against minors.

A lewd and lascivious behavior conviction can have negative life-changing consequences for defendants. Aside from incarceration in state prison, other criminal penalties include being branded a convicted felon, steep fines, and mandatory registration as a Florida sex offender.

As a result, anyone facing a lewd and lascivious behavior criminal charge must hire a highly skilled attorney who understands what it takes to obtain favorable client results.

Contact The Defense Group of Orlando, FL, immediately so that we may answer your questions and begin building a solid defense case on your behalf. Call us at 407-743-8430.

What is Considered Lewd and Lascivious Behavior?

Florida law stipulates that the crime of lewd and lascivious behavior is committed when an individual intentionally touches a child under the age of 16 in a vulgar or indecent manner or solicits them to commit such an act.

Some examples may include:

Intentionally touching a victim’s buttocks, breasts, or genital areas under or over clothing.
Convincing or forcing the victim to touch the offender or others in a sexual manner.
Indecent exposure of genitalia.

The state must prove the alleged victim was younger than 16 at the time the incident occurred to substantiate a lewd and lascivious behavior charge.

Additionally, other legal elements must be proven, which include at least one of the following:

The defendant intentionally touched the victim in a way that qualifies as lewd and lascivious behavior.
Requested the victim to commit a lewd and lascivious act.

Furthermore, although many people realize that those 18 and older may face charges, individuals younger than 18 may also be charged if the victim is between ages 12 and 16.

For more information about what constitutes lewd and lascivious behavior in Florida, contact The Defense Group. We will gladly schedule a free private consultation so that we may answer your legal questions. Call us at 407-743-8430.

What are the Sentencing Guidelines for Lewd and Lascivious Behavior Convictions?

Florida has passed stringent laws meant to punish those who abuse minors. Sentencing guidelines can be affected by the defendant and victim’s age at the time of the event, any prior convictions, and the type of lewd and lascivious act in question.

Sentencing guidelines for lewd and lascivious behavior convictions include:

Defendant 18 or Older

Anyone accused of lewd and lascivious behavior who is at least 18 may be charged with a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of sex offender probation, and a $10,000 fine.

The minimum sentence for anyone 18 or older is 30 months in prison with a mandatory two years of sex offender probation.

Defendants Under 18

If the defendant is younger than 18, they may be charged with a third-degree felony. A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of sex offender probation, and a $5,000 fine.

The minimum sentence for anyone under 18 is 30 months in prison with a mandatory two years of sex offender probation.

Due to the strict sentencing guidelines imposed by Florida law, anyone who is accused of lewd and lascivious behavior must have a highly experienced attorney who will fight to have the charges dropped or reduced.

Contact The Defense Group to learn more about how we can help you protect your freedom. Call us at 407-743-8430.

What is Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law?

Because of the severe consequences involved in a lewd and lascivious behavior conviction, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Although consent is not a valid defense against a lewd and lascivious charge, there is an exception known as the Romeo and Juliet Law that a knowledgeable defense attorney may be able to utilize.

Under Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law, if the victim is between the ages of 14 to 15 years old and the defendant is only four years older, then consent may be utilized as a valid defense to lewd and lascivious charges.

However, the Romeo and Juliet law does not guarantee that criminal charges and penalties will not be pursued against possible defendants.

If you have been accused of lewd and lascivious behavior, you must hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to defend your rights.

Our defense attorneys have comprehensive experience building solid defense strategies for those accused of sex crimes.

Why Should I Trust Your Law Firm to Defend Me Against Criminal Charges?

If you have been charged with a Florida sex crime, you cannot risk your future or freedom by hiring an attorney who needs more experience. Instead, you must seek legal representation from a criminal defense attorney with a proven record of obtaining favorable client results.

The Defense Group of Orlando, FL, is a law firm whose main objective is to fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom.

Our criminal defense lawyers are former prosecutors who have insight into how prosecutors pursue lewd and lascivious behavior charges. Understanding state prosecutors’ criteria when deciding how to file charges gives us a proven advantage over other criminal defense attorneys.

Our team of legal professionals is on call 24 hours a day, and we can arrange weekend consultations.

Remember, it is vital to your defense that you do not discuss the case with anyone, including law enforcement authorities, until after you have received legal advice from your attorney.

Contact our law offices at 407-743-8430 and ask to schedule a free initial consultation to learn how we can assist you.