Fort Lauderdale Sex Crime Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Sex Crime Attorney

Sex crimes are one of the most serious categories of crimes and require representation by an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer. Being accused of committing a sex crime can have far-reaching consequences even if the charges are later dismissed or you are acquitted. When facing sex crime allegations, you need a strong legal defense from a qualified Fort Lauderdale sex crime lawyer.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer

The penalties for a sex crime conviction can be severe. Sex crime laws can also be confusing and difficult to understand if you do not hire a sex crime lawyer to guide you through the process. At The Kirlew Law Firm, our team is composed of knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys and former public defenders who understand how to introduce doubt into a prosecutor’s case. We have experience with negotiations and litigation to get our clients a favorable outcome.

Sex Crime Convictions in Florida

During fiscal year 2024, the United States Sentencing Commission received reports of 1,430 cases involving sexual abuse, a 62.5% increase since fiscal year 2020. The Southern District of Florida was the fourth-highest district with 42 cases. Of the total number of cases:

• 93.5% of convicted offenders were male
• 94.8% were U.S. citizens
• 10.8% of convictions were at trial
• 221 months was the average sentence length
• 99.2% of convicted offenders were sentenced to prison

If you are facing sex crime charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you need a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale sex crime attorney to represent your interests. State misdemeanor cases are heard at the County Court Criminal Division, while felony cases are heard at the Broward County Central Courthouse Circuit Criminal Court. Federal cases, which follow a distinct legal process, are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Offenses Considered Sex Crimes in Florida

Sex crimes encompass a wide range of sexually motivated offenses. Victims can be children or adults, strangers, acquaintances, friends, or family. Being convicted of a sex crime entails punishments beyond the initial fines, fees, and incarceration. Sex offenders are required to register on the sex offender registry with very few options for removal.

Sex crimes in Florida range from misdemeanors to felonies. Sex crimes do not have to involve the use of force, but they do involve the sexual gratification of the offender. Common sex crime offenses in Florida include:

• Sexual battery
• Prostitution
• Indecent exposure
• Lewd and lascivious behavior
• Child pornography
• Failure to register as a sex offender
• Sex trafficking
• Online sex crimes

Common Defenses to Sex Crimes

When facing sex crime allegations, it is important to offer a strong defensive strategy. The unique circumstances of your case determine which defensive strategies may be the most effective. Some common defenses include:

• Demonstrating that the allegations are false. Providing proof that the allegations stem from a need for revenge, jealousy, conflicts in a relationship, a child custody dispute, or a simple misunderstanding can result in the charges being dismissed.
• Providing proof that the sexual act was consensual can lead to dismissed charges, provided the alleged victim is over the legal age to consent.
• When a victim mistakenly identifies you as the perpetrator, providing proof of an alibi should lead to charges being dismissed.
• Evidentiary issues can occur when a case relies heavily on victim or witness testimony but has little physical evidence. The prosecution may have difficulties proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt with insufficient evidence.
• Police misconduct can lead to charges being dismissed or evidence being suppressed if procedural standards were not met.
• Challenges to medical or forensic evidence can lead to evidence being inadmissible. An experienced defense attorney can counter misleading or overreaching medical evidence.
• Capacity or mental health issues can lead to diminished capacity or the inability to understand potential consequences.

FAQs

What Are the New Sex Offender Laws in Florida?

Florida passed several new sex offender-related laws in 2025. House Bill 777 strengthens laws related to luring or enticing children. House Bill 1351 created enhancements for sex offender registration, reporting, and verification requirements. House Bill 1455 creates mandatory minimum terms for sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders. These state-level changes exist alongside complex federal laws governing federal sex crimes and their consequences.

Brooke’s Law provides a process for the removal of exploitative AI-generated content online. Senate Bill 1804 created a felony offense for the sexual exploitation of children under 12 or the mentally incapacitated.

Is Skinny Dipping in Florida Illegal?

Yes, skinny dipping is generally considered illegal in Florida when done in public, but there are exceptions. Skinny dipping is considered indecent exposure, which is a first-degree misdemeanor. Skinny dipping in public areas or when done in a lewd manner can result in charges.

Exceptions are made when skinny dipping at designated nude beaches, or on private property if not visible from public areas or the neighbor’s property. Intoxication is not a sufficient defense against indecent exposure charges.

What Is Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law?

Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law, which went into effect in 2007, aims to remove the sex offender registry requirement in sex crime cases involving two teenagers engaging in consensual sexual acts. The law does not decriminalize the act, but allows teenage offenders to petition to remove the sex offender registry requirement if they engaged in consensual acts with another teenager, aged 14 to 17, and they were no more than four years older.

What Are Some Common Causes of False Sex Crime Allegations?

False allegations of a sex crime can occur for several reasons. Some of the most common reasons include retaliation, embarrassment, and mistaken identity. Retaliation happens when an ex-spouse or significant other makes allegations to gain leverage in another legal matter.

False allegations of a sex act can occur when a consenting partner later feels embarrassed or is shamed by friends or family. Mistaken identity can occur when an actual sex crime occurs, but you are mistakenly identified as the perpetrator.

Contact The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC

When facing allegations of a sex crime, you want a legal team with experience in numerous aspects of criminal defense. Our team is skilled at negotiating and litigating sex crime cases to ensure you get the most favorable deal possible within the particular facts of your case. You do not have to face serious sex crime allegations alone. Contact The Kirlew Law Firm today to schedule your confidential consultation.