Being accused of sexual misconduct can put your freedom, reputation, career, and future at risk almost immediately. Even before formal charges are filed, allegations alone can affect your family, employment, education, and standing in the community.
If you are under investigation or have already been arrested, speaking with an experienced St. Petersburg sex crimes lawyer as early as possible can be critical. Goldman Wetzel defends clients facing serious allegations throughout Tampa Bay, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, indecent exposure, internet crimes, and related offenses.
Our firm works proactively to protect clients during investigations, challenge weak evidence, and pursue every available strategy to reduce or avoid life-changing consequences.
Accused of a Sex Crime?
Call Goldman Wetzel today for a confidential consultation.
Sex Crime Case Results
Capital Sexual Battery
State v. BT
Overview: Our client faced several counts of sexual battery and life in prison for allegedly molesting a child.
Result: Not guilty verdict after jury trial.
Sexual Battery
State v. AK
Overview: Our client was arrested and was facing 30 years in prison for sexual battery, which he confessed to.
Result: The State dropped the case without our client ever appearing in court.
What Is Considered Sexual Misconduct?
“Sexual misconduct” is a broad term. It can refer to many different criminal offenses under Florida law, including:
- Rape
- Voyeurism
- Sexual battery
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution and soliciting
- Human trafficking
- Lewd or lascivious acts
- Distribution of child pornography
The elements of each offense are different, but these allegations often involve claims of non-consensual, inappropriate, or coercive sexual conduct. These cases may arise from personal relationships, workplace settings, schools, online activity, or police investigations.
Any accusation of sexual misconduct should be taken seriously. A conviction can lead to prison time, fines, probation, sex offender registration, and other long-term consequences.
What To Do If You Are Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Early decisions can affect the direction of your case. If you are accused, under investigation, or contacted by law enforcement, take the situation seriously from the start.
- Do not speak to police without an attorney present.
- Do not contact the accuser.
- Preserve texts, emails, photos, call logs, and social media messages.
- Do not discuss the case publicly or online.
- Contact a St. Petersburg sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.
An accusation does not equal a conviction. A defense attorney can help protect your rights, review the evidence, and communicate with prosecutors before the case moves further through the court system.
Related Issues That May Arise
Sexual misconduct allegations can create problems beyond the criminal case itself. Depending on the facts, a person may also face:
- Civil lawsuits
- Family law issues
- Workplace discipline
- School disciplinary action
- Immigration concerns for non-U.S. citizens
- Professional licensing board investigations
Even without a conviction, an accusation can damage a person’s reputation, employment, education, and personal relationships. Goldman Wetzel works to protect both the legal case and the client’s broader future.
Stages of a Sexual Misconduct Case
Investigation
The case may begin before an arrest. Law enforcement may interview witnesses, collect records, review digital evidence, and attempt to question the accused person. This is one of the most important times to involve a lawyer.
Arrest and First Appearance
If police make an arrest, the accused person will usually appear before a judge. The court may review probable cause, address bond, and explain the charges and rights involved.
Filing Decision
The State Attorney’s Office decides whether to file formal charges. Goldman Wetzel often works proactively during this stage by contacting prosecutors, reviewing evidence, and presenting information that may support reduced charges or no charges.
Arraignment and Case Strategy
If charges are filed, the case moves to arraignment. The accused person enters a plea, and the defense begins preparing for motions, negotiations, hearings, or trial.
How Goldman Wetzel Defends Sex Crime Allegations
Sex crime cases require careful investigation, discretion, and early strategy. Goldman Wetzel reviews the facts, examines the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protects clients from avoidable mistakes during the process.
Depending on the case, defense strategy may involve challenging witness credibility, reviewing forensic evidence, questioning police procedures, exposing inconsistencies, or arguing that the State cannot prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Speak With a St. Petersburg Sex Crimes Lawyer Today
If you are under investigation or facing charges involving sexual misconduct, do not wait to protect yourself. Early legal representation can be critical to protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.
Call Goldman Wetzel today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated St. Petersburg sex crimes lawyer.