Lewd and Lascivious Laws in St. Petersburg

Florida has strict laws against lewd and lascivious behavior, especially regarding minors. If you are facing charges brought under lewd and lascivious laws in St. Petersburg, legal help can make a real difference.

At Goldman Wetzel, we know how overwhelming these accusations can be. Our team-based approach ensures every client gets the benefit of a well-rounded defense. Our experienced sex crime attorneys will explain the law, potential consequences, and legal defenses. Each of our clients gets strong legal representation to safeguard their rights and future.

Laws on Lewd and Lascivious Offenses in St. Petersburg

Under Florida law, lewd and lascivious crimes typically involve inappropriate sexual conduct with someone under 16. The main statutes regard:

• Lewd or lascivious battery (Florida Statute § 800.04(4)): Engaging in sexual activity with a minor between 12 and 15 years old or coercing a minor under 16 to engage in sexual acts
• Lewd or lascivious molestation (Fla. Stat. § 800.04(5)): Inappropriate touching of a child under 16 in a sexual manner
• Lewd or lascivious conduct (Fla. Stat. § 800.04(6)): Intentionally touching a person under 16 in a lewd or lascivious manner, or soliciting a person under 16 to commit a lewd or lascivious act
• Lewd or lascivious exhibition (Fla. Stat. § 800.04(7)): Exposing oneself or engaging in explicit acts in the presence of a minor

Since these offenses involve minors, they are treated especially severely under Florida law. Even if both parties agree to the acts, individuals under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to these acts, and a mistake about the minor’s age is not a defense. Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law is not a defense to these charges either.

Penalties for Lewd and Lascivious Crimes

The penalties for lewd and lascivious crimes in St. Petersburg depend on the nature of the crime. The age of the victim also plays a major role, and Florida law is less forgiving if you have a prior criminal record, especially for similar crimes.

• Lewd and lascivious battery is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or a first-degree felony for an adult with a prior qualifying conviction
• Lewd and lascivious molestation can be a life felony if the child is under 12 and the accused is 18 or older, carrying a mandatory minimum 25-year prison sentence
• Lewd and lascivious conduct is a second-degree felony for an adult and a third-degree felony when the accused is under 18
• Lewd and lascivious exhibition is a second-degree felony when committed by an adult and a third-degree felony when the accused is under 18

In addition to prison time, a conviction can also result in mandatory sex offender registration. If you are convicted, you can also face probation, fines, long-term barriers to housing and employment, and loss of reputation.

Defenses Against Lewd and Lascivious Charges

A strong defense is essential when facing these types of charges. Common defenses include:

• False accusations: In some cases, misunderstandings, personal vendettas, or misidentifications lead to wrongful charges
• Lack of evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt—if there is insufficient evidence, the charges may be reduced or dismissed
• Violation of constitutional rights: If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation or arrest, evidence may be suppressed

At Goldman Wetzel, we provide an aggressive and proactive defense for those accused of lewd and lascivious acts in St. Petersburg. We analyze each case, find flaws in the prosecution’s argument, gather evidence, and challenge testimony.

Speak With a St. Petersburg Lewd and Lascivious Lawyer About Your Charges

We do not turn away a case because of the charge. We offer a unique team approach: our team handles every case together so our clients get comprehensive representation. We understand that facing charges under lewd and lascivious laws in St. Petersburg is stressful. That is why we fight for our clients with strength and compassion. For more detail on these charges, see our Florida lewd and lascivious lawyer page and our Florida sex crimes lawyer page.