Coral Gables Statutory Rape Lawyers: Here to Help During a Difficult Time
What is Statutory Rape in Florida?
Statutory rape is defined as sexual activity between someone over the age of 18 and someone under the age of consent, which is 18 in Florida. It’s considered statutory rape even if the underage person consented to or initiated the sexual contact.
I know sometimes the younger person lies about their age or shows a fake ID, and you had no way of knowing they were under 18. While that may be true, in the eyes of the law ignorance of the person’s age is not a defense. The legal system takes these charges very seriously.
However, there are often defenses that can be used to fight statutory rape charges. I’ll discuss some of the most common ones below.
Meeting with a Lawyer Should Be Your First Priority
If you’ve been accused of statutory rape, it’s absolutely critical that you exercise your right to remain silent and immediately speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you, so do not speak to them without a lawyer present.
I can’t stress enough what a mistake it would be to try and explain your side of the story to investigators without experienced legal counsel advising you. That’s exactly why my firm offers free consultations – so you can share the details of your case in a legally protected environment and we can start building your defense strategy right away.
The sooner you contact us after being accused, the better we can protect you. Don’t wait to call.
Common Statutory Rape Defenses We Use
There are a number of defenses we frequently use to fight statutory rape charges, including:
You reasonably believed they were of legal age. If you can show evidence that the underage person intentionally deceived you into thinking they were over 18, this may invalidate statutory rape charges. Evidence like fake IDs, lies about their age, and statements from others about their maturity level can be used.
No sexual contact occurred. If you are falsely accused and no sexual activity happened, we will investigate and build a case to prove your innocence. Witness statements, text messages, social media posts, and alibis can show nothing happened.
The accuser has ulterior motives. Unfortunately, false accusations of statutory rape do occur, sometimes out of revenge, jealousy, or other questionable motives. As your lawyers, we will thoroughly examine the credibility of the accuser and their potential motives.
You were legally married. In Florida, being married to the underage person makes statutory rape charges invalid, even if you are separated. We can provide proof of your legal union.
Romeo and Juliet law. If you and the underage person are within a certain age range (often 3-4 years) and were in a consensual relationship, the Romeo and Juliet law may apply. This can exempt you from prosecution.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters
Defending against statutory rape charges is complex, with high stakes. Florida has mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines that can result in years behind bars and a lifetime as a registered sex offender if convicted.
With so much on the line, protecting your future requires experienced legal representation. My firm has successfully defended clients against statutory rape and related accusations in Coral Gables for over 15 years. The prosecutor is building a case against you, but I know how to build a stronger counter case on your behalf.
Here are just a few advantages we provide:
- Guidance on interactions with police and prosecutors so you don’t jeopardize your case.
- Thorough investigation into the accuser’s claims and background.
- Strong defense strategy tailored to the details of your case.
- Negotiating with the prosecution for reduced or dismissed charges.
- Trial experience – over 80% of our cases never go to trial, but if needed, we have the courtroom skills to win.
Most importantly, I will be there for you, not just as your lawyer but as your advocate and support. You’re not alone in this fight.
Take the First Step and Contact Us Today
I hope this overview has helped you better understand statutory rape charges in Florida and why contacting a dedicated lawyer immediately is so important. My team and I are here to listen, answer your questions, and start protecting your future.
You deserve compassionate counsel and an unwavering defense. We have the experience, resources, and determination to provide that for you during this difficult time.
Don’t wait to call – we offer free consultations 24/7. I’m confident we can build an effective case together and achieve the best possible outcome. There is hope ahead.