Sex crime cases are severe, and complex, and can result in devastating consequences if not handled professionally and quickly. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you must immediately seek professional legal help from a highly-reputable Tampa criminal defense attorney who will allow your case to proceed most favorably, protecting your reputation, your rights, and your justice.
Because sex crime cases are extremely complex and can differ from one case to another, a skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal proceedings and understand the charges against you and their implications. With their guidance and expertise in crafting your defense, your charges could be reduced or even dropped, in the best-case scenario.
One of the best factors in successful sex crime case defenses is early intervention. The preliminary investigation stage of the sex crime case proceeding is a critical time in building and strengthening your defense. Without guidance, you may unknowingly make a mistake, such as speaking to investigators and law enforcement without an attorney present, potentially incriminating yourself.
Additionally, the more time that your attorney has at the beginning of the case, the more likely it is that they will be able to find evidence to support your claim and potentially find something exculpatory in the accusing party’s evidence or claim. Whether gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, meticulously reviewing evidence from the accusing party, or preparing a strong legal argument, your attorney will be able to craft a defense strategy that is leagues stronger earlier.
Hiring an attorney will provide you with invaluable guidance concerning your charges and case nuances during the legal process. A conviction of a sex crime could result in imprisonment up to a life sentence, heavy fines, and mandatory national sex offender registration. While these consequences are intimidating and serious, if you hire an attorney, you are more likely to be able to take substantial action in reducing or completely be rid of these devastating consequences and sentences.
The earlier that you seek out professional legal representation and help from a Tampa criminal defense law firm, the better your chances are at minimizing potential consequences and sentencing if you get convicted at all. For example, an attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain deal that would highly reduce the charges against you, or be able to negotiate alternative sentencing options. Additionally, your attorney can help you understand your options for appealing a conviction to a judge before your case goes to trial.
If you are accused of a sex crime, you could potentially suffer disastrous consequences that are life-altering, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of the crime. An experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney will work hard to protect your reputation and your rights throughout the entirety of your case’s proceedings. However, the earlier that they can work with you, the less likely of a chance there will be of having your reputation completely tarnished and damaged.
Your attorney will work to assist you with navigating all relevant media and communications during your case. In higher-profile sex crime cases, your reputation may fall under the scrutiny of the public eye, and your attorney will work to not only clear your name but make public statements that refute false, inaccurate, or slandering information and statements.
Furthermore, your attorney will also be able to intervene with prosecutors on your behalf to negotiate a plea deal or avoid charges altogether. By working with prosecutors early on in your sex crime case, your attorney may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea deal with the accusing party or even get the charges reduced or dropped entirely before your case has the time and capacity to come into the light of the public.
While any criminal case can be quite difficult to navigate, sex crime cases are complex and contain many nuances that can alter how your case will proceed in the Florida legal system. When you seek legal assistance early on in your sex crime case, you will be better prepared to handle and conduct yourself through each step of the proceedings.
Your attorney will not only explain applicable legal expectations, procedures, and court appearances related to your case but will also take special care to ensure that you are fully aware of your specific charges and all of the implications that your charge carries in a legal and social context. Your potential consequences will also be thoroughly explained to you, as well as any strategies and evidence that could be utilized and presented to avoid or reduce harsh sentencing and charges. If your case goes to trial, then your attorney will be the person to not only represent you in court but advise you on how to present your defense in the most effective way possible. A sex crime attorney will also be able to make informed decisions on your behalf to work on negotiations for plea bargains or reduced charges.
Knowledge and understanding are power in the legal system. The better equipped you are to handle your sex crime case, the more likely you are to have a more favorable outcome. Correspondingly, the faster that you have an experienced attorney on your side, the more prepared you will be in general, helping to reduce the anxiety that may incur during your case proceedings.
To best position yourself during your sex crime case, you must seek professional, high-quality legal help as soon as possible. Empower yourself with an attorney who will guide you, advise you, and represent you throughout your case proceedings. Rickman Law Firm has decades of successful experience built on our effective strategies and knowledge of the law. As the leading Tampa criminal defense law firm, we fight for the justice of people like you every single day.
Contact us today at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form for one of our attorneys to reach out to you soon.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
There are many options for Tampa assault and battery attorneys to hire. Choosing the best one for you requires effort and careful consideration of many different factors when conducting your search to find the right one for you and your claim. As Tampa’s leading law firm, The Rickman Law Firm knows which aspects of an attorney’s legal services to focus on during your search.
The Rickman Law Firm has some of the highest-rated attorneys who are ready to consult with you during your search. We understand how critical it is to find a lawyer who can best provide you with the professional legal services, representation, and support that you deserve throughout the entire process of your case.
The first step in evaluating a potential attorney to hire for your case is to schedule an initial consultation with them. This preliminary meeting will allow you to ask the questions that you need to know about their services, experience, and their potential plans for handling your case. Usually, you can begin to build trust in the right attorney during this initial consultation and start to understand their legal approach and communication styles.
This meeting will allow you and the attorney to begin discussing their case so that they may be familiarized with your accusation and claim, including any details, evidence, and documentation about your case, allowing them to factor that into potential fee estimates and strategies. As we know how important these preliminary stages are in hiring an attorney, The Rickman Law Firm is available 24/7 to contact and schedule your initial consultation.
Because sexual assault and battery cases can be complex, you should hire an attorney who has successful experience handling these cases both inside and outside of court. Your attorney should also additionally have other successful experience practicing law, showing that they know how to navigate the Florida legal system.
Aside from directly speaking with your Tampa assault and battery lawyer to learn about their experience in handling cases like yours, a great option is to look through reviews online. You can find reviews on social media, third-party review sites, like Yelp and Google, and the attorney’s, or legal office’s, website. Hearing stories from other individuals who that specific attorney has helped will allow you to better understand their experience and how successful they are, especially for your specific type of case. Many attorneys specialize in specific types of cases, such as sexual battery cases, so you should look out for one who would understand how to handle creating a strong defense for you.
When working with an attorney, one of the top considerations is the level and expectation of communication between the legal representative and the client. An attorney should be responsive, accessible, and communicate with transparency and timeliness. One of their most important tasks is to ensure that their client remains informed throughout the entirety of the legal process of their case.
Often, you can get a gauge for how an attorney will communicate and understand you during the initial consultation. However, it is strongly recommended that you take specific time to directly ask what frequency and type of communications can be expected from you as their client. This transparency will better allow you to choose a lawyer with more reliability and trustworthiness.
Fees can be a major concern when seeking professional legal representation for your assault and battery case. When hiring a Tampa assault and battery lawyer, you need to be aware of the fees upfront. Conversely, your attorney should also be transparent about the types and rates of fees, as well as when the fees are expected to be paid, what types of payment are accepted, if payment plans or credit cards are accepted, and, ultimately, exactly how the total cost of the fees breaks down. Does this attorney charge a flat fee or charge by the hour? Will there be additional costs for investigations or seeking out witnesses?
Lawyer and attorney fees and costs can widely vary due to factors like experience and success rates and the complexity of your case. You should ask for an estimate of fees in order to evaluate whether the fees of that attorney are reasonable and viable, and can get estimates from multiple different lawyers to find the best financial fit for you before choosing to hire one.
No reputable Tampa assault and battery attorney will guarantee success upfront during the initial consultation. However, you can ask for a potential strategy that could be used if you choose to hire that attorney. After familiarizing themselves with your accusation and personal claim, some questions that a potential attorney should be able to answer include:
Asking about potential strategies allows you to begin building a rapport with an attorney before hiring them. Additionally, it will allow you to see who would be the best fit for your case, as well as who makes you feel the most comfortable and confident about your defense.
The search for the best Tampa assault and battery lawyer can be difficult. With so many factors to consider, it may be overwhelming to find the right attorney to trust your defense and case with. The Rickman Law Firm is proud to have served Tampa for decades, with successful experience inside and outside court for many types of cases.
We work hard to fight for your justice; our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. Contact us today at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form, and one of our attorneys will reach out to you soon.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
The Florida legislature and court system have some of the harshest sentences and legal punishments for drug trafficking in the United States.
In Florida, drug trafficking is the intentional sale, importation, manufacture, delivery, purchase or possession of a controlled substance. Drug trafficking offenses apply if the drug quantity involved exceeds its statutory limits. It carries a mandatory minimum sentence and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Drug trafficking does not necessarily imply a large-scale operation that sells or manufactures a controlled substance. In fact, according to the Florida Statute § 893.135, if a person is knowingly selling, importing, delivering, manufacturing, or possessing an excessive amount of drug, he or she could be charged with drug trafficking. In other words, a drug possession offense can escalate to drug trafficking if the amount of the drug involved significantly exceeds certain thresholds. Additionally, drug trafficking is not limited to drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or marijuana, it also includes controlled substances that require a prescription.
Below there are examples of thresholds for some common drugs. If a person in Florida surpasses any of these amounts, he or she can be charged with drug trafficking:
One of the primary ways that a Tampa drug trafficking defense attorney can help reduce your sentence is by negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor. A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor that typically involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. In some cases, a plea bargain may result in the charges being dropped altogether. An experienced drug trafficking defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Drug trafficking cases often involve complex legal and scientific issues, and an experienced attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and challenge the admissibility of evidence in court. For example, if the police conducted an illegal search or seizure, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence obtained as a result of that search or seizure. Without this evidence, the prosecution’s case may be weakened, and they may be more willing to negotiate a reduced sentence.
In some drug cases, law enforcement officers might have induced or coerced a person to engage in illegal activity (for example, buying or selling drugs). If defendants were victims of entrapment, their lawyer may be able to use it as a strong and effective defense.
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. Thus, any evidence collected in an unlawful search and seizure will be excluded in a trial.
For a person to be convicted for drug trafficking in Florida, the prosecutor must provide compelling evidence that proves that the person knew about the controlled substance and that the drug weighed more than the possession thresholds. If the evidence is not compelling or insufficient, your drug crime attorney will use this for your defense.
Mitigating factors are circumstances or factors that may reduce your level of culpability or your sentence. For example, if you have no prior criminal record, your attorney can argue that you are less likely to reoffend and may be eligible for a reduced sentence. Additionally, if you have a history of drug addiction or were coerced into trafficking drugs, your attorney can argue that these circumstances should be taken into account when determining your sentence.
If convicted for drug trafficking, an offender will face a mandatory minimum sentence that includes imprisonment and fines. This sentence is applied regardless if the crime was committed by a first-time offender.
For your free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, fill out our consultation form or call The Rickman Law Firm any time today at 813-999-0502.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Sex crimes are some of the most severe offenses in Florida. If convicted of a sex crime, a person can face harsh, life-altering consequences. There have been many cases where individuals who have been charged with sex crimes unknowingly made a common mistake that affected their defense and positioning, making it harder to defend themselves in court and potentially hurting their case.
As the local, leading legal office, The Rickman Law Firm’s highly-experienced Tampa sexual battery lawyers are here to provide insight into the top common mistakes to avoid if you have been charged with a sex crime.
Sex crimes are considered very serious in Florida and can result in severe punishments that could completely upturn your life. From lifetime sentences to heavy fines and a lifelong placement on the sex offender registration, you could potentially be facing dire consequences if convicted.
To position yourself for the most desirable outcome during a sex crimes case, you need to hire an experienced Tampa sexual battery attorney. Your attorney will have the experience and thorough knowledge required to navigate the complex legal proceedings of a sex crimes case, as well as Florida’s criminal justice system, and will be able to help create the strongest defense for your case.
During the investigative period for a sex crime, law enforcement or investigating parties may try to reach out to you for questioning. According to Miranda Rights, you have the right to remain silent, as well as the right to an attorney, as anything that you saw can, and potentially will, be used against you in court. Investigators and law enforcement may directly reach out to contact you without you expecting it. Still, you should not give in and communicate with them on your own accord – even in situations where you are caught off guard.
Your attorney is there to help guide you through the legal system and protect you if your rights are infringed upon. Moreover, they are there to advise you on how to conduct yourself in the best manner possible during the investigative process and further, if your case goes to trial. To best protect yourself during the preliminary investigation phase, do not make contact with investigators without your attorney,
Following suit to the fact that you should not speak to law enforcement on your own, you should never take it upon yourself to reach out to the accusing party, even if it is to try and clear your name directly to them. Anything that you say can and will be used against you; it is best to completely avoid any possibility of self-incrimination due to misspeaking or heightened emotions guiding what you say.
Whether the communication would be virtual or in-person, you should not seek out communication with any individual in the accusing party. It is best to lay low and avoid making contact with anybody that you do not need to make contact with.
Sex crimes are complex, difficult cases to navigate, let alone understand. Each possible charge of a sex crime is further organized in severity by many factors. You must understand the specifics of the charge against you, as well as any possible punishments and penalties that you could face. As the accused party, you have a legal right to be aware of the charges against you, and what those charges imply in a court of law.
Your Tampa sexual battery attorney should have the expert knowledge to be able to explain the nuances of your accusation and your positioning. Their goal is to inform and equip you and your defense with the best tools and strategies possible to help your case.
To help your Tampa sexual battery lawyer build the strongest defense for you, they need to be fully aware of all evidence that you are aware of that could help your case. You must be completely transparent about everything you know concerning your accusation because your attorney is there to help you. If you withhold any information or evidence from your lawyer, it could be devastating to your case, or at the very least, make it a lot more difficult to build a solid, strong defense.
Evidence is the cornerstone of sex crimes case defense strategies. It is essential to preserve any evidence that can help support your case. Whether it is a text message, social media post, picture, or other communication forms, ensure that you organize and keep any evidence to share with your attorney.
Sex crimes require a strong defense in the state of Florida. Because they are tried harshly, you should equip yourself with the knowledge and protection to be best positioned for a desirable outcome. Take your case seriously, and allow your attorney to be the one to guide you through the legal process. Avoid mistakes that could hurt your defense, and ensure that you are conducting yourself in the best manner, as directed by your legal professional.
The Rickman Law Firm has built the highest-quality tools and strategies to represent clients in Tampa for decades successfully. We are here to create the most effective defense strategy for your justice and protect your rights every step of the way.
Trust the experts at The Rickman Law Firm with your sex crime case, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our office at any point by calling us at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form for one of our attorneys to reach out to you soon.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
If you have been arrested for a federal crime in Tampa, not all hope is lost. Each trial and the post-arrest legal proceeding is unique and may involve a few steps, or it may involve many steps.
Your Tampa federal defense lawyer has an intimate understanding of the criminal justice system and will not only be able to help you navigate these difficult, complex stages after your arrest but will help to fight for the most favorable outcome for your case.
Before your arrest, federal agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will have already employed criminal investigators to gather and record information for United States Attorneys in Tampa. They provided the information that they collected to the prosecutors who began to take the next steps of investigation. Often, this is when search warrants will be obtained.
After you are arrested, the gathering of two types of evidence will continue. The first type of evidence is direct evidence, which is evidence that supports a truthful fact without the need to infer. For example, eyewitness testimony would be considered direct evidence. The second type of evidence collected is circumstantial evidence, which includes statements or information that are indirectly obtained that do not include a first-hand account or experience. Circumstantial evidence requires a level of inference and impression that comes from someone who cannot provide a first-hand direct account.
With the prosecution examining the evidence gathered from the investigation, as well as with statements from all parties involved, there will be a decision as to whether to present the case to the grand jury, an impartial group of randomly-selected citizens, for charging. If the prosecution decides to indict the defendant, they will be given notice that there is a federal charge against them, including the basic information regarding the charges.
After you are charged with a federal crime, you can hire your Tampa criminal defense attorney to represent you and provide legal counsel regarding your case.
On the next day following your arrest, if not the day of, you will be brought to a magistrate judge for an initial hearing. Here, you will learn more about your rights during the trial process and arrangements will be made concerning if you will be held in prison until, or released before, your trial, including your bail-granting decision.
The judge will consider gathered facts about you, including your prior criminal record, your living situations, and your perceived potential danger to the community, and you will be asked to plead either guilty or not guilty to the charges.
The discovery period of a trial is the step where your defense is being built. Your Tampa criminal defense attorney is collecting witnesses to testify in court, gathering evidence for your claim, strategically auditing and investigating the prosecution’s evidence, referred to as exculpatory evidence, and creating arguments against it. There is a chance that the prosecution’s evidence will show your innocence.
This intense preparation is meticulous and lasts from the beginning of the case up until the trial.
If the government has a strong case against the defendant, it may offer a plea deal. This will help the defendant avoid trial and reduce the possibility of longer sentencing and harsher punishment. Pleading guilty should only occur if the defendant committed the crime and will admit to it in an open-court setting. The judge will then determine the punishment, usually to a lesser state of degree. Sometimes, accepting a plea deal is a favorable strategy for some cases and may be encouraged by a lawyer.
If the defendant pleads guilty, then there will be no trial but a sentencing hearing, where the defendant will learn the elements and implications of their sentence.
Alternatively, if you plead not guilty, a preliminary hearing will be held. The preliminary hearing can be considered a miniature version of the standard trial. The prosecution will usually call witnesses and present evidence, while the defense will cross-examine the witnesses.
The judge will consider the claims and evidence and will decide whether the crime was committed by the defendant. If so, the trial will be scheduled, and if not, the charges will be dismissed.
Prior to the trial, motions can be made by either the prosecution or defense. A motion is a request that the court decides either the case or the evidence before the trial begins. These motions include a motion to dismiss, a motion to suppress, and a motion for a change of venue.
The trial is the most infamous and important part of the legal proceedings. During the trial, the facts of the case are presented by both sides to the jury and judge who decide whether or not the defendant is guilty. The prosecution and defense both present witnesses and evidence to strengthen their side and claim.
In federal criminal trials, the jury must make a unanimous decision regarding the innocence or guilt of the defendant. The verdict will then be read and announced in the open court with all parties present. If you are found innocent, you will be allowed to go home.
If you are convicted during the trial, there is another chance to file a post-trial motion. These motions include a motion for a new trial, a motion for judgment of acquittal, and a motion to vacate, set aside, or correct a sentence. Your attorney will decide whether to pursue a motion for your defense, understanding your case, your charge, the prosecution, and the judge.
After a few months, if the defendant has been found guilty, they will return to the judge to receive their sentence. The sentence is supported and influenced by presentence reports, the trial, the evidence, and other aggravating or mitigating factors, such as regret for the crime, the nature of the crime, or how many times the defendant has committed the crime.
Even if the defendant is found guilty, an appeal can be made to the Circuit Court because they were wrongly convicted or given too harsh of a sentence. This provides an opportunity for you to raise specific concerns about errors that were made during a trial.
The Rickman Law Firm is equipped with the best Tampa criminal defense lawyers to help fight for your justice. We have the skill, experience, and success to walk with you through each step of your federal criminal trial. Make the right decision and immediately hire a trustworthy attorney to help you navigate this intensely challenging process.
Our law firm is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help fight for you. For your free legal consultation, fill out our consultation form or call The Rickman Law Firm any time at 813-999-0502.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
With the introduction and growth of the internet, there has also been an increase in the capabilities of cybersex. Cybersex crimes are a relatively new addition to criminal legal proceedings and trials. In the Florida legislature, cybersex crimes are tried harshly and can have very serious repercussions on your reputation and life if you have been falsely accused.
To help your case if you were wrongly accused of committing a cybersex crime, you need to equip yourself with the most up-to-date legal information and defense team. If you have been accused of committing a cybersex crime, you should immediately contact Rickman Law Firm for legal counsel and assistance from the premier Tampa sex crime defense attorneys.
A Tampa criminal lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm is an expert on sexual assault legislation, case proceedings, and consequences, and will be the go-to source of knowledge concerning your accusation. They can help you understand the charges against you and the legal implications thereof. In cases of sexual assault, legal proceedings are extremely complex, and navigating the legal process without an expert criminal defense lawyer will only hurt your case.
Once provided with both your and the prosecuting party’s evidence, or after hiring an investigator to gather evidence, your lawyer will begin a thorough, meticulous examination of how the evidence is related to the allegation.
Some of the evidence that could be gathered and reported includes, but is not limited to:
During a sex crimes case, the evidence-gathering process will include a step where, within 15 days of filing the Notice of Discovery, the prosecuting party is required to disclose the evidence gathered for you and your lawyer to inspect, test, and record. This part of the process is imperative in that there could be the discovery of exculpatory evidence or evidence that negates the guilt and proves the innocence of the defendant; it could result in case dismissal given that the exculpatory evidence is substantial and abundant.
In the state of Florida, sexual assault – or sexual battery – is defined as “oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object.” Additionally, consent legally cannot be provided by any person under 18 years of age.
Sexual assault charges are considered severe in the state of Florida. The best criminal lawyer in Tampa will sit you down to discuss and explain the nature of the charges against you so that you are aware of your legal positioning, including the influence of evidence on the current and potential status of your accusation. This explanation should also inherently include the potential penalties and punishments for your accusation.
In the state of Florida, the severity of the punishments for a sexual assault accusation varies with the age of the plaintiff or the prosecution:
When a minor is involved in a cybersex crime, charges, and relative punishments are far more severe. Consulting with a Tampa felony defense attorney can help you be able to reduce the charges, or even drop the charge.
One example of the variance in charge and punishment if a minor is involved is child pornography. If you are convicted of the production, possession, or distribution of child pornography, you will be charged with steep statutory penalties. However, the charge is changed to sexual extortion if the other party is above 18 years of age.
If a minor is charged with a cybersex crime, such as underage sexting, then they will also be tried, however initially with a first-degree misdemeanor, as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
If you are accused of a cybersex crime, you must take immediate action and contact a legal professional. The Rickman Law Firm’s highly-experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your justice. With the skill and specific legal knowledge of our expert attorneys, you will have a better chance of dropping fines, lessening sentences, or even getting your cybersex crime charge dropped.
For the best legal consultation, contact Rickman Law Firm. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people in need of consultation, protection, and justice. Call us at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form and one of our expert Tampa sex crime defense attorneys will quickly be in contact with you.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Sexual assault is a very serious accusation in Florida courts; a conviction of sexual assault could turn your life upside down overnight. If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, it is critical that you seek professional legal help.
The Rickman Law Firm has decades of experience in fighting sexual assault cases in Tampa and knows the legislature concerning sexual battery back and forth. Learn more about how we can help prove your innocence and fight for your justice.
A Tampa criminal lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm is an expert on sexual assault legislation, case proceedings, and consequences, and will be the go-to source of knowledge concerning your accusation. They can help you understand the charges against you and the legal implications thereof. In cases of sexual assault, legal proceedings are extremely complex, and navigating the legal process without an expert criminal defense lawyer will only hurt your case.
Once provided with both your and the prosecuting party’s evidence, or after hiring an investigator to gather evidence, your lawyer will begin a thorough, meticulous examination of how the evidence is related to the allegation.
Some of the evidence that could be gathered and reported includes, but is not limited to:
During a sex crimes case, the evidence-gathering process will include a step where, within 15 days of filing the Notice of Discovery, the prosecuting party is required to disclose the evidence gathered for you and your lawyer to inspect, test, and record. This part of the process is imperative in that there could be the discovery of exculpatory evidence or evidence that negates the guilt and proves the innocence of the defendant; it could result in case dismissal given that the exculpatory evidence is substantial and abundant.
In the state of Florida, sexual assault – or sexual battery – is defined as “oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object.” Additionally, consent legally cannot be provided by any person under 18 years of age.
Sexual assault charges are considered severe in the state of Florida. The best criminal lawyer in Tampa will sit you down to discuss and explain the nature of the charges against you so that you are aware of your legal positioning, including the influence of evidence on the current and potential status of your accusation. This explanation should also inherently include the potential penalties and punishments for your accusation.
In the state of Florida, the severity of the punishments for a sexual assault accusation varies with the age of the plaintiff or the prosecution:
Your Tampa criminal defense lawyer is the one to fully shape your defense strategy. Based on gathered evidence, they will begin to put together strong arguments proving your innocence. This may include promoting exculpatory evidence, presenting evidence contradicting the prosecution’s case, arguing and challenging the credibility and legitimacy of witnesses, and evidence gathered by the prosecution. Your criminal lawyer will also protect your rights throughout the entire legal process, including protecting you from self-incrimination, ensuring that you receive a fair trial, and advocating for your justice every step of the way.
Often, this is why your lawyer will work to find alternative options to reduce and lessen sentences if necessary. The strongest lawyers may be able to get charges reduced or even fully dropped either before or in court. However, if your case goes to trial, your criminal attorney will represent you and argue your strong case before both a judge and jury to help fight for your justice.
Sexual assault accusations are gravely serious and can ruin the life of someone who does not deserve it. If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, you must seek out a criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect yourself and have the best chance of getting the justice that you deserve.
The best criminal defense lawyers in Tampa are found at The Rickman Law Firm. We are proud to have decades of experience successfully protecting our client’s rights and innocence. With an expansive repertoire of knowledge and experience both inside and outside the courtroom, The Rickman Law Firm is ready to equip you with the tools and support you need to prove your innocence.
Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because the fight for justice never sleeps. Contact us today at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form to hear from one of our attorneys.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Accusations under Title IX are sex crimes. Sex crimes, and sexual harassment specifically, are considered to be very serious in the Florida legislature. When you are falsely accused of a Title IX charge of sexual harassment in a Florida college, you need to immediately begin taking action to avoid or reduce lifelong negative consequences.
It is imperative that you prepare an effective defense argument with Rickman Law Firm, the best criminal defense law firm in Tampa, for the highest chance of a favorable outcome. With decades of successful experience in sexual harassment and Title IX cases in the Florida criminal justice system, our Tampa sex crime defense attorneys are ready to equip you and your case with the best, most effective legal counsel and representation throughout your case.
Title IX is a federal law prohibiting discrimination, and any according and relevant actions, based on sex. While this law is applicable in both the workplace and educational institutions, it is still utilized frequently in Florida colleges. Federally-funded educational institutes are the ones under Title IX law and often handle sexual harassment and sexual assault cases under it.
According to Title IX, there are many forms of sexual harassment. Some Title IX cases could include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other sexual verbal or physical conduct. Title IX cases can also take place between students, students and faculty, or between faculty members.
Under Title IX, sex-based, or sexual, harassment is essentially unwelcome conduct of a sexual type. This could include:
Sexual harassment as a crime could result in long-term consequences that could ruin your reputation, career, and well-being. If you have been accused of any of the sexual harassment actions mentioned, immediately contact Rickman Law Firm for legal counsel on the next best steps to take.
Any sex crime results in severe and lasting consequences, especially without proper legal counsel. Aside from the typical criminal penalties of jail time, probation, and high fines, some of these consequences could include:
Because the consequences of a Title IX sexual harassment charge could be dire, you must hire an expert Title IX defense attorney to help strengthen your case and fight for your justice. If you have been falsely or wrongly accused of breaking Title IX law or sexual harassment in a Title IX-protected institution, Rickman Law Firm will use our expansive repertoire of tools and strategies to reduce the charge, lessen the severity of the consequences, or even drop your case.
If you are accused of sexual harassment at a Florida College, the first thing that you should do is hire an experienced lawyer who knows how to handle Title IX cases and will help you fight for justice.
After receiving an accusation of sexual harassment, the Title IX coordinator at your university will open a case and notify the accusing party and the defendant of the presence of an investigation against the allegation. It is incredibly vital that you do not contact your accuser or communicate with them, as it will only serve to help their case and hurt yours, even if you are attempting to defend yourself to them right at the beginning. Your attorney should be the only one in communication with the officials, legal and police teams, and Title IX coordinators.
After the notice of investigation from the Title IX coordinator, you must immediately start gathering evidence to help your case. This could include messages, DMs, social media posts, phone logs, written statements, or any other evidence that could defend your justice. Your sex Tampa crime defense attorney will inform you of the strength of your evidence and also collect strong evidence when building your defense statement.
After the investigative period, there will be a Title IX hearing where your attorney will be able to represent your case and prove the acquisition to be incorrect, false, or wrongful. You may be eligible for a plea bargain if both parties agree. Your attorney will help determine the most favorable outcome for your case based on the state of the proceedings.
Title IX accusations are serious, just as any other sex crime is. If you have been wrongfully accused of sexual harassment at a Title IX college in Florida, you need to protect yourself and your reputation immediately. You deserve someone to fight for your justice. Contact The Rickman Law Firm today for premium legal counsel and representation.
The Rickman Law Firm is proud to be the best criminal defense law firm in Tampa. We have successfully fought for claims and cases like yours, and with decades of experience, have the first-rate tools and strategies to craft the most high-quality, effective defense for you. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because the fight for justice never sleeps. Contact us today at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form for one of our attorneys to reach out to you soon.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.