Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a criminal act that includes any nonconsensual physical contact with another individual that was made as a sexual advance, to cause discomfort or embarrassment, or to otherwise sexually take advantage of another person. This offense differs from rape in that rape is the act of forcing a sexual activity on a person through threats, violence, physical restraint, or other force against a person’s will. Sexual assault includes any sexually motivated contact or activity that is not classified as rape.
The penalties for a sexual assault conviction in Florida can be particularly severe. Depending on the details of the crime, an individual found guilty of sexual assault could serve up to 30 years in prison and pay up to $10,000 in fines. In addition, the judge may order the defendant to see a psychiatrist on a regular basis and attend a rehabilitation clinic. A sex crime conviction also mandates that the individual be registered as a sex offender with Florida law enforcement for the rest of his or her life. This label could affect all aspects of your life even many years later and may limit where you are able to live and work.
The particularly strong reaction public reaction towards a sex crime means that individuals who are accused of sex crimes often face a significant amount of bias. People may be inclined to assume that an arrested individual is guilty of a sex crime even if there is no strong evidence to support the charge.
It is therefore especially important for individuals facing sexual assault or other sex crime charges to seek legal advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer will help to protect your rights and will scrutinize all evidence brought against you to help ensure a fair trial. Having a lawyer who upholds your protections under the law and reminds the jury that you are innocent until proven guilty could mean all the difference in an emotionally charged sex crimes case.
Contact Us
If you have been arrested for sexual assault, don’t enter the courtroom feeling unprepared to defend your case. Contact the aggressive, experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
