What You Need to Know About Sex Crime Laws in Florida Part 1

If you or a family member have been accused of a sex crime, this is an urgent matter that requires the immediate attention of an experienced sexual assault defense attorney in Tampa. Sex crime charges are extremely serious and often result in a lengthy prison sentence. In this two-part article, we will discuss Florida’s age of consent laws and several of the most common criminal charges stemming from sex crimes.

The Age of Consent in Florida

Throughout the United States, the age of consent ranges anywhere from 16 to 18 years of age. However, the age of consent always applies to the state the crime transpired in. For Florida, the minimum age of consent is 18 years old. In other words, individuals younger than 18 are not lawfully permitted to consent to participate in sexual conduct.

Statutory rape is the crime that transpires when an adult that meets the age of consent engages in sexual activity with an individual that does not meet the age of consent. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, in Florida, an individual charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor can be charged with a second degree felony and serve up to 15 years in prison.

Legal Defenses for Statutory Rape

In statutory rape cases, there are few legal defenses that are permissible in court. For example, the argument of consensual sex cannot be applied nor can the defense of being unaware of the victim’s age. However, there are some exceptions including if the couple is married or qualify for a close-age exemption. Known as the “Romeo and Juliet law,” close-age exemption lawfully establishes that an underaged couple, or a young couple close in age, can engage in sexual conduct and not face prosecution. In Florida, this law applies to individuals that are 23 years of age and under that engage in consensual sexual activity with a person 16 years of age or older.

For more information on sex crimes in Florida, please read the second section.

For a free consultation with one of our experienced sex crime defense attorneys in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.

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.

Case Results

Felony Battery Dropped to Misdemeanor

The Defendant was charged with a felony battery for punching other party goers. After the Defense deposed the victim and witnesses and therefore was able to successfully show a self-defense claim, the State dropped the
Show More

BATTERY INVESTIGATION CLOSED PRIOR TO ANY ARREST OR CHARGES FILED

The Client was being investigated for Battery after greeting a friend at a Super Cuts and the friend alleged that the Client touched him inappropriately. The Rickman Law Firm immediately contacted investigators and the State
Show More

FELONY DOMESTIC BATTERY / FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGES DISMISSED

The Client was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation and False Imprisonment. The alleged victim did not wish to prosecute as the incident was a misunderstanding with the Client. After reviewing the case and working
Show More