Coral Gables Rape & Sexual Battery Lawyers – Your Compassionate Advocates
Being accused of rape or sexual battery is terrifying. Even if you’re innocent, the social stigma and potential legal consequences can ruin your life. That’s why having an experienced sexual assault defense attorney on your side is so important. The lawyers at my firm understand – no one should face these charges alone.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’m a criminal defense attorney who has spent my career representing folks accused of sex crimes in Coral Gables and throughout Miami-Dade County. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know the prosecutors and judges. I understand how these cases work and the strategies that can lead to dismissals or acquittals.
But more importantly, I care about my clients. I know that beneath the charges, there’s a real person who feels scared, overwhelmed, and alone. My job is to walk with you through this difficult process, protect your rights, and help you move forward.
At our firm, you can expect compassion and meticulous legal representation. I never judge clients accused of rape or sexual assault. My role is not to determine guilt or innocence – that’s for a judge and jury to decide. I’m here to ensure the legal process is fair and just.
Common Sex Crime Charges in Coral Gables
The state of Florida categorizes sex offenses into lewd and lascivious crimes, prostitution crimes, and sexual battery/rape. Convictions can lead to years in prison, steep fines, probation, and registration as a sex offender. Some common charges we defend include:
- Sexual battery – Nonconsensual oral, anal, or vaginal penetration.
- Unlawful sexual activity with minors – Sexual contact with anyone 16 or 17 years old.
- Lewd and lascivious conduct – Exposing genitalia to others for sexual gratification.
- Soliciting prostitution – Paying for sexual contact.
- Video voyeurism – Recording someone nude without their consent.
- Possession of child pornography – Having sexually explicit images of anyone under 18.
- Indecent exposure – Flashing or exposing yourself publicly.
The severity of penalties depends on the charges and circumstances. For example, sexual battery of a child under 12 is a capital felony in Florida. But consensual sexual activity between teenagers may only be a misdemeanor. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the specific laws and sentencing guidelines.
Investigating the Allegations
In every sexual assault case, the details matter. As your attorney, I’ll thoroughly investigate the accuser’s claims to identify inconsistencies and build the strongest defense.
This starts with examining the police report and evidence. What exactly is the accuser alleging you did? When and where did they claim the incident occurred? Are there any witnesses or physical evidence?
Many times, the accuser’s story simply doesn’t add up. We’ve helped clients avoid charges because the timeline or facts were implausible. Other times, we can show the accuser has motive to fabricate allegations out of anger, jealousy, or regret.
I’ll also comb through the accuser’s background and medical records for evidence that contradicts their claims. For example, a lack of injuries may prove the encounter was consensual rather than forced. Any history of dishonesty or false accusations can undermine their credibility.
Common Defenses in Sex Crime Cases
Every case is unique, but some of the most effective defenses we employ include:
Consent – Many acquaintance rape allegations boil down to “he said/she said.” We’ll work to show the encounter was mutually consensual rather than nonconsensual. Evidence like continued contact, texts/emails, and your accuser’s behavior after the fact can prove consent.
Mistaken identity – Eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. If you weren’t even present when the alleged crime occurred, we can argue the accuser is simply mistaken.
False accusations – While rare, some accusers fabricate sexual assault allegations out of anger, jealousy, or mental illness. We’ll diligently investigate their background and motives for making false claims.
Intoxication – Being extremely impaired by drugs or alcohol can make consent ambiguous. We’ll argue that while intoxicated, you reasonably believed your partner was willing.
No one deserves the stigma of being labeled a sex offender without due process. At our firm, we have a proven record of earning dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea deals for clients facing sex crime charges.
What to Expect at Our Law Firm
The moment you become my client, you can expect tireless advocacy and personalized service. I limit my caseload so I can devote focused attention to each client.
We’ll begin by sitting down for a free, confidential case evaluation. I’ll listen to your side, explain the charges, and discuss possible defenses. Clients often describe this conversation as the first time they felt hopeful since the arrest.
If we take your case, you’ll have my direct cell phone number. I understand the anxiety of facing sex crime charges. You can call me anytime to get your questions answered.
I’ll walk you through each stage of the process – arraignments, motions hearings, plea bargains, and trial. My goal at every step is to resolve the case as favorably as possible. This could mean getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial, or winning a not guilty verdict at trial.
While no lawyer can make guarantees, I don’t shy away from trial. I’ve cross-examined hundreds of witnesses and know how to effectively challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
Outside court, I’ll recommend respected therapists, counselors, and support groups. While I handle the legal defense, caring for your mental health is crucial too.
Why Choose Us?
When your reputation, freedom, and future are at stake, you need an advocate who will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Here are a few reasons why clients choose our firm:
- We believe you – Clients often say they feel judged and ashamed until meeting with us. I start every case with an open mind.
- Decades of experience – Since the 1990s, we’ve defended hundreds of clients against sex crime charges. There’s no scenario we haven’t seen before.
- We know the system – Past experience with the judges and prosecutors gives us insider knowledge of “how things work” behind the scenes.
- We have resources – Our firm has the money and staff to thoroughly investigate claims, hire experts, and take cases to trial if needed.
- We get results – Numerous cases dismissed pre-trial. Not guilty verdicts at trial. Favorable plea bargains. Our track record speaks for itself.
Yes, defending sex crime cases is complex and challenging. But that motivates me to work even harder for clients. I provide the personalized counsel and tireless advocacy they deserve.
If you or a loved one are under investigation or facing charges, don’t go through it alone. Schedule a free case review today. Let’s sit down, hear your side, and create a defense strategy. You have rights – and I’m here to protect them.