Orlando Statutory Rape Lawyer
Accused of Statutory Rape in Orlando, FL?
Statutory rape is a serious crime in Florida. If you are accused, you need to reach out to a lawyer immediately. At The Wiseman Law Firm, our Orlando statutory rape lawyer is ready to fight for you. We understand how much is at stake and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of your situation.
If you have been accused or arrested for statutory rape, then contact The Wiseman Law Firm immediately at 407-420-4647 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Orlando statutory rape attorney.
What Is Statutory Rape in Florida?
Statutory rape is a type of sexual assault. It is a criminal offense that involves engaging in sexual activity with a person under the age of 18. This type of sexual activity is illegal, even if the minor consented to the activity.
The state of Florida charges statutory rape based on the age of the victim. If the victim is under the age of 18, then the state can charge you with statutory rape. This is true even if the minor consented to the sexual activity.
What Are the Penalties for Statutory Rape in Florida?
In Florida, statutory rape is a second-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. A repeat offense can result in imprisonment for up to 40 years if convicted.
Also, you can be charged with aggravated statutory rape if the victim is under the age of 12. This is a first-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of 30 years. You may also have to register as a sex offender.
How Does Statutory Rape Affect Immigration Status?
If you are a non-citizen and are charged with statutory rape, you could be subject to deportation. This is true even if the victim consented to the activity. If you are convicted of statutory rape, then the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could deport you.
How Does Statutory Rape Affect Custody?
If you are a parent and are accused of statutory rape, then you could lose custody of your children. This is true even if the minor consented to the sexual activity. If you are convicted of statutory rape, then the court could terminate your parental rights and grant the victim’s parents custody. You could also have to pay child support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Statutory Rape Charges in Florida
What is Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law?
Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law does not make the underlying conduct legal, but it can provide relief from sex offender registration in certain cases. If the alleged victim was between 14 and 17, the age difference was no more than four years, and the activity was consensual, a person required to register may petition the court to be removed from the sex offender registry. Whether you qualify depends on the specific facts and your record, so this is one of the first questions a defense attorney will evaluate.
Is statutory rape a felony in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida Statutes Section 794.05, a person 24 or older who engages in sexual activity with a 16 or 17 year old commits a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Cases involving younger alleged victims are charged under separate, more severe statutes such as lewd or lascivious battery, and penalties escalate sharply with the age gap.
Is it a defense that I did not know the person’s age?
No. Florida law does not recognize ignorance of age or even a sincere belief that the person was an adult as a defense, and the minor’s consent is not a defense either. That said, the State still has to prove every element of the charge, and the facts surrounding the accusation, the evidence of the alleged activity, and how law enforcement built the case can all be challenged.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
A conviction for statutory rape or a related sex offense generally requires registration as a sex offender in Florida, which affects where you can live and work long after any sentence is served. In qualifying close-in-age cases, the Romeo and Juliet law may allow a petition for removal from the registry. Avoiding registration is often the single most important objective in defending these cases.
What should I do if I am accused of statutory rape in Orlando?
Do not speak to police, the alleged victim, or the alleged victim’s family, and do not communicate about the accusation by text or social media. These cases are frequently built on statements the accused makes before hiring a lawyer. Exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney immediately, because early intervention before formal charges are filed can shape the entire outcome.
Contact Our Orlando Statutory Rape Lawyer
If you are facing statutory rape charges, then you need a lawyer who will fight for you. At The Wiseman Law Firm, our Orlando sex crime defense lawyer is ready to help. We understand how serious this situation is and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and protect your freedom.
Our criminal defense attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence to prove your innocence. We will negotiate with the prosecution to try and reduce the charges or penalties. If we cannot negotiate, then we will take your case to trial and fight for your innocence.
Contact The Wiseman Law Firm today at 407-420-4647 for a free initial consultation.
