Defense For Statutory Rape Charges In Punta Gorda

Despite the intimidating penalties and crack-down mentality that law enforcement agencies have toward statutory rape in Florida, it is possible to fight back when you face these charges. Age differences will certainly play an instrumental role in your charges as well as your conviction, but there are other important factors that can have an impact on the court’s decision at sentencing.

At Leskovich Law Group, P.A., we are criminal defense attorneys with over 50 years of combined experience in advocating for our clients before the court, including its jury and judges. By combining our advanced representation skills with logical arguments in your criminal defense, we have helped many clients avoid maximum penalties for statutory rape charges, and even avoid conviction wherever possible.

Understanding Statutory Rape And Serious Consequences In Florida

In Florida, the age of consent to sexual intercourse with another person of any age is 18. Minors who between 16 and 17 may also consent to intercourse with anyone up to age 24, and the adult will not be subject to penalty unless the minor has a disability. Statutory rape charges may target anyone over the age of 24 who has consensual sexual intercourse with a minor or anyone between 18 and 24 who has non-consensual intercourse with a minor aged 16 or 17. Unless the minor is 16 or more years of age, the parents have the authority of consent. The statute of limitations is three years in Florida, and any attempt to bring charges for a statutory rape offense that occurred more than three years will not result in charges.

Other factors can impact a charge as well. For example, defendants who were in a committed relationship with a minor may face significantly less scrutiny than a 25-year-old that had sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old without the parents’ consent. The former scenario will likely have a more successful conclusion as long as the representing attorney can be effective in court.

This is a very complicated area of criminal law, especially when we are working with clients who are in relationships with minors, and may be a few years older. In many situations, parents may press charges as a means to end a relationship between their child and the accused.

In other cases, pressing charges can be an act of retaliation for a relationship that has ended. No matter the reason, statutory rape charges and their harsh consequences should not be taken lightly by anyone.

Penalties For Statutory Rape Convictions In Florida

Individuals who are convicted of statutory rape in Florida can expect to receive prison sentences of up to 15 years. Thirty-year prison terms may also be imposed on defendants who have already been convicted twice before. These are serious penalties and in some cases, they may not warrant the act itself. Severity of sentence depends heavily on factors such as the circumstances of the act and the effectiveness of your defense.

As experienced Punta Gorda criminal defense lawyers, we have developed dependable strategies for defense against many different sex crimes including:

• Sexual battery
• Child molestation
• Child pornography
• Prostitution

We have a deep comprehension of Florida statutes for statutory rape and a well-rounded body of work that reflects our high level of skill in the field.

Get Help From An Experienced Team Of Attorneys

Statutory rape charges can devastate your life, but you have the presumption of innocence on your side. You are not guilty unless the prosecution can prove their case, and it is our job to make the prosecutor’s job as hard as possible.

Contact our offices today by email or by phone at 941-621-6623 to set up your initial consultation and be proactive with your pending charges.