Being a registered sex offender has a tremendous impact on a person’s social, personal, emotional, and professional life. Conviction of most, if not all, sex-related crimes, will require a person charged with the crime to register as a sex offender in the State of Florida within a specific time period after the charge. Being on the sex offender list or registry will limit a person’s ability to travel, location of residence, and ability to be near schools and parks, and may have other serious implications. Failure to properly (and timely) register as a sex offender is a felony in and of itself, and can lead to a prison sentence
Florida Sex Crimes
Whether you committed a sexual act against a minor, were charged with sexual battery, or virtually any other sex-related criminal offense, you are deemed a sex offender under the eyes of the law. Some of the other sex-related crimes that will require registration on the sex offender registry include:
- Child pornography;
- Molestation;
- Sex Trafficking
- Internet crimes/solicitation;
- Traveling to meet a minor;
When you are charged with one of these offenses or a similar crime, your obligation to register as a sex offender begins; this is the case even if you committed your crime outside of Florida, but are living in Florida either temporarily or permanently. The Sex Offender Registry requires that when you are released from prison or are placed on probation, and you are maintaining residence in the state of Florida, you must timely provide your basic demographic information (name, age, sex, height, weight, etc.) plus addresses, e-mails/websites, vehicle information, all associated telephone numbers, passport, etc. There are additional requirements for individuals that have committed crimes against minors, work in higher education, or for repeat offenders. The frequency of the reporting requirements (how often an offender must go in and make sure their information is current) depends on the offense as well. Repeat offenders, as well as many first time offenders that have committed certain acts of rape, prostitution involving a minor, or other sexual acts against children, will be deemed sexual predators, a heightened designation on the sex offender registry due to the context of the crimes.
There are a number of crimes that can land you on a sex offender registry that you may not realize. For example, a Florida couple was recently convicted of “lewd and lascivious exhibition” for having sex on a public beach. They face up to 15 years in jail and registry on a sex offender list for this crime. Engaging in sexual acts in vehicles, public parks, or other public places are also unlawful and may lead to severe consequences. Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Florida, even when they are not being committed against a minor or forcibly against someone. As seen in the sex on the beach case (not the drink) a person can be convicted of a sex crime even when they are engaging in the acts consensually with someone they have a relationship with.
Florida Sexual Crimes Defense Attorney
Unfortunately for the couple discovered engaging in lewd and lascivious activity on the beach, “I didn’t know it was illegal” is not a valid excuse. There is little flexibility in the criminal justice system for those who have engaged in any sexual-related crime, especially for those who commit acts against minors. Even being suspected of a sex crime can be damaging to your reputation, as well as personal and professional lives. At Moses & Rooth, our knowledgeable sexual crimes defense attorneys have seen these cases from both sides; as former prosecutors, we know how to navigate the system and how to take advantage of holes in the prosecution’s case. The best thing you can do for yourself after being charged with a sex crime is to contact an attorney before you say anything to police personnel. Regardless of whether you are facing charges or have already been convicted and have questions about compliance with your continuing obligations, contact our Orlando office today for a complimentary consultation.
Andrew Moses
Andrew has been practicing criminal law his entire career. After graduating from law school he began working as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting cases in Orange and Osceola Counties. During his time as an Assistant State Attorney, Andrew handled all types of cases ranging from misdemeanors to such serious felonies as drug trafficking and armed robbery. His experience as a prosecutor helped him gain perspective of the criminal justice system and how the government established its cases.
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