While any arrest can have an immediate impact on your life, few charges and convictions are more stigmatizing than sex offenses. The good news is you have the right to defend yourself, and our Largo sex crimes lawyers are here to help you.
It is possible to obtain a positive outcome in a sex crime case, and we can fight to have charges dismissed or defend you at trial. What matters the most is that you have the strongest possible defense. Our dedicated defense lawyers are ready to talk strategy with you.
What Are Common Sex Crimes?
Florida law criminalizes a wide range of non-consensual or inappropriate sexual behavior. With the help of our attorneys in Largo, you can defend yourself against the following sex crime allegations.
Sexual Battery
This offense is more commonly known as rape. It is the non-consensual penetration of another person’s body, and it is one of the most serious crimes under state law. Certain factors, like the age of the alleged victim or the use of force, can lead to increased penalties if someone is convicted.
Lewd and Lascivious Behavior
Lewd and lascivious offenses involve sexual activity with, lewd touching of, or a sex act in the presence of a child younger than 16. These charges are felonies, and the degree depends on the type of act and the ages of the child and the accused. Since October 1, 2026, exposing oneself or performing a sex act while observing a child under 16 is also a felony.
Possession of Child Pornography
Another of the most serious sex-related offenses is the possession of child pornography, which Florida law now calls child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Under the law, this includes any image or video that depicts juveniles engaging in a sexual act. This offense is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison for each image, so legal jeopardy increases with the number of videos or images in a person’s possession.
Understanding Sex Crime Investigations
The state will use an array of evidence to pursue a conviction for a sex crime. Understanding the nature of these investigations can be helpful to you as you build your defense. Some of the tools law enforcement use in these cases include the following:
- Surveillance
- Interrogations
- Digital tracking
- Search warrants
- Witness statements
- Digital forensic experts
Your Largo sex crimes attorney can help you evaluate the strength of the evidence against you. This will be beneficial when mounting a defense or considering a plea offer.
Developing a Defense Strategy
There are different defense strategies your attorney may use, but they largely depend on the specific allegations against you. For example, consent is often the strongest strategy available for sex crimes. Most cases involve non-consensual acts, so proving the alleged victim was a willing participant may be enough to prevail in your case.
Of course, consent is not always a defense. If you have been accused of a crime involving a minor or some other party who cannot legally consent to sex, you need a different approach. Some of the most common options include entrapment, lack of evidence, or a violation of your rights. Let our team in Largo review the sex crime allegations against you so we can advise you on the strongest possible strategy.
Call a Largo Sex Crimes Attorney About Your Case Today
You have the right to a vigorous defense regardless of the stigma and stress surrounding what you have been charged with. You deserve to be treated fairly, and our team will work tirelessly to ensure that is the case. Contact our Largo sex crimes lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a private consultation and discuss your legal options. For an overview of every charge we defend, see our Florida sex crimes lawyer page. Our St. Petersburg sex crimes lawyer page explains where Pinellas County cases are heard.