Why is Florida the Harshest State on Sex Crimes?
Florida has some of the harshest restrictions on sex offenders in the United States. If you ever walk across Arcadia, you’ll see a facility wrapped around with barbed wire. No one can get in or out of there, for it is home to 650 men that the state fears could molest or rape if they get out. These individuals have completed their sentences, but are still considered a risk to the community, so are forced to put themselves under civil commitment.
But this is just one of many barriers in Florida facing sex offenders. In 2014, 7 homeless people rallied and sued Miami-Dade County for putting forth an ordinance that forced several offenders to become homeless.
Instances like these have many wondering why Florida is the harshest state on sex crimes. Our Tampa federal defense lawyer team explains below.
Wide Range of Sex Crimes in Florida
The first reason the Florida court is bullish about harshly punishing sexual offenders is the wide array of sex crimes that are prevalent in the region.
- Prostitution: Prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or other gains. Over the past decade, prostitution has reduced on the streets but has started to thrive online.
- Sexual Battery: Sexual battery cases have started to see a massive uptick in the last five years. Our federal criminal defense lawyer team in Tampa found that in 2019, 106 out of every 100,000 reported sexual battery. While the pandemic reduced it to 87.3 the next year, the number has since bounced back.
- Indecent Exposure: Indecent exposure is a non-forcible sex offense where a person is alleged to expose sexual organs in a public area.
- Lewd and Lascivious: A person allegedly touching a minor (under 16) or engaging in sexual activity with them is charged with Lewd and lascivious.
- Child pornography: Owning, possessing, producing, or distributing child pornography is counted as a federal crime, needing a federal defense lawyer in Tampa to fight the case.
- Failure to register as a sex offender: Under Florida law, individuals who have committed sexual offenses must register as a sex offender. Failure to do so leads to criminal charges and convictions.
Extended Penalties for Sex Offenders that Have Served Their Sentence
The qualms of sex offenders do not end once they have served their sentence. In addition to fulfilling their civil commitment, where they are mentally assessed to see if they are ready to step back into society, there are many societal restrictions put on them as well – making it essential for the ex-convicts to find a good federal defense lawyer in Tampa.
Those with the blot of a sex offense on their record have a hard time finding jobs and even finding homes. To make matters worse, over 160 municipalities have their own ordinances that are even harsher than what Florida state dictates.
Getting Your Life Back After Serving Your Sentence
Once you have served your sentence for a criminal offense, or even if you have just been accused of a sex crime, your life can take a downturn. Talking to a federal criminal defense lawyer in Tampa can help you immensely.
In addition, to help you expunge the records, and stand with you so that you can fight against the false allegations, our federal criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, will help you get your life back on track.
Contact us today for a no-obligation, confidential, and unbiased consultation.
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.