Understanding Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law
Florida’s “Romeo and Juliet” law was created to help young people who are close in age and involved in consensual sexual relationships avoid the harsh consequences of being labeled as a sex offender. It recognizes that not all relationships between young people should lead to such serious penalties and grants legal ‘permission’ to maintain the relationship.
What Is The Romeo And Juliet Law?
Typical, sexual relationships with a minor are considered sex crimes in Florida, and they can result in mandatory sex offender registration. The Romeo and Juliet law allows individuals who were convicted of certain sex crimes to ask the court to remove their name from the sex offender registry, as long as they meet specific requirements. This law is meant to protect young people who were involved in consensual relationships where both partners are close in age.
Who Can Benefit From The Law?
To be eligible for the Romeo and Juliet law, the following must apply:
- The age gap between the two individuals involved must be no more than four years.
- The younger individual must have been between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the relationship.
- The sexual activity must have been consensual. This law does not apply to cases where force or coercion was involved.
The individual seeking legal representation from their Tampa defense attorney cannot have been previously convicted of other serious sexual offenses.
How Does The Law Work?
If an individual meets the eligibility requirements, they may ask their Tampa sex crime defense attorney with The Rickman Law Firm to petition the court to be removed from the sex offender registry. The court will review the case, considering the evidence of age and mutual consent presented, and if the petition is approved, the individual will no longer be required to register as a sex offender in Florida. While this doesn’t erase the conviction, it does mean the person no longer has to register as a sex offender in Florida.
Why Is This Law Important?
Being listed on the sex offender registry can have lifelong consequences, including difficulty finding a job or housing. The Romeo and Juliet law helps protect young people who were in consensual relationships from facing these consequences when the age difference between them is small.
Get Legal Help from the Most Trusted Law Firm in Tampa
If you or someone you know may qualify for legal relief under Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law, immediately seek guidance and representation from the expert Tampa sex crimes defense attorneys with The Rickman Law Firm.
For a free case consultation today with one of the top Tampa defense attorneys, contact our office at (813) 370-1185 or fill out the consultation form on our website.
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.