Sexual assault is any type of forced, unsolicited or non-consensual sexual contact or behavior performed on another person. The mere accusation of a sexual assault can have a devastating effect on your life, directly affecting reputation, personal relationships, and career. A conviction brings with it a lifetime registration as a sex offender and severe criminal penalties.
Below is a list of the various acts that are considered sexual assault, sex crimes, and abuse. If convicted, each of these crimes are punished harshly.
There are different types of rape which include statutory rape, date rape, marital rape, and sexual battery or assault. There are lifelong consequences of rape convictions including imprisonment, large fines, a felony record, and lifetime sex offender registration. Not to mention the effect an accusation and conviction can have on your life in the form of job loss, loss of child custody, and the inability to secure future work or student loans. Not only does a conviction affect the defendant, but it affects those closest to the defendant. Unfortunately, it is quite easy for someone to accuse another person of rape and can be difficult to disprove without the help of a knowledgeable and aggressive sexual assault defense attorney in Tampa.
If you are facing a rape accusation, you need a strong defense to clear your name. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual assault crime you did not commit, please understand that false accusations and convictions are common. To protect yourself, take the following into consideration:
Depending on the circumstances and charge, a sexual assault charge in the state of Florida could range from a first-degree felony to a capital or life felony. Nevertheless, an individual is innocent until proven guilty and has the right to seek out a defense attorney for case evaluation and representation.
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.