The Impact of Lewd and Lascivious Charges on Your Future
Being charged with lewd and lascivious behavior in Florida is a serious issue that can have long-term effects that you may not have considered previously. These charges usually involve inappropriate sexual behavior, especially toward minors, and Florida law takes these offenses seriously. If convicted, the consequences can affect your personal and professional life for years to come, especially without representation from a skilled Tampa criminal attorney with The Rickman Law Firm.
Types of Lewd and Lascivious Charges in Florida
Lewd or Lascivious Battery
Engaging in sexual activity with a minor aged 12 to 16 or encouraging them to engage in sexual behavior.
Lewd or Lascivious Molestation
Molestation involves Inappropriately touching a minor or making them touch you.
Lewd or Lascivious Conduct
Lew or lascivious conduct is acting or exposing yourself in a sexual way in front of a minor.
Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition
This charge includes exposing yourself or performing sexual acts in the presence of a minor.
Legal Penalties
The severity of the legal consequences for lewd and lascivious charges in Florida depends on the specific offense, the age of the alleged victim, and whether your have represetation from a Tampa lewd and lascivious lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm. Generally, lewd and lascivious offenses are classified as felonies, and penalties can include prison time, fines, sex offender registration, and probation.
For example, lewd and lascivious molestation involving a child under 12 years old is considered a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison. Even less severe charges, like lewd and lascivious exhibition, can result in lengthy prison sentences, often up to 15 years, as well as substantial fines.
Sex Offender Registration
One of the most consequential impacts of a lewd and lascivious conviction is mandatory registration as a sex offender. Florida requires individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses, including lewd and lascivious acts, to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. This means your name, address, and other identifying information will be made publicly available in a state and national database. Individuals on the registry are often subject to regular monitoring by law enforcement and will likely face restrictions on where they can live and work.
Employment And Housing Challenges
A lewd and lascivious conviction can severely limit your employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction — especially one involving a sex-related crime — can be an immediate disqualifier for many jobs. Careers in education, healthcare, and any position that involves working with minors will be off-limits. Even roles in other industries may be hard to obtain, as employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a serious criminal record.
Housing can also become a challenge. Many landlords are unwilling to rent to individuals with felony convictions, and those on the sex offender registry already are prohibited from living within a certain distance of schools, daycare centers, parks, and other areas where children are usually.
Seek Defense from The Rickman Law Firm, the Best Law Firm in Tampa
If you’re facing lewd and lascivious charges, don’t wait to get help. These charges can have life-altering consequences, and it is critical to have a criminal attorney in Tampa who understands how to fight effectively for you.
Do not face such a serious charge charge by yourself. Get your free case consultation today with one of our lewd and lascivious lawyers in Tampa. Contact our office at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form.
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.