Doral Molestation and Lewd & Lascivious Battery Lawyers: Protecting Your Rights
Being charged with molestation or lewd and lascivious battery in Doral can feel overwhelming. These allegations can destroy reputations and lead to severe punishments like lengthy prison sentences and sex offender registration. That’s why having an experienced Doral sex crimes lawyer by your side is critical.
In this article, we’ll break down key information about Doral molestation and lewd and lascivious battery charges. We’ll look at common defenses used and why working with a knowledgeable attorney can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Molestation and Lewd Battery Allegations in Doral
Lewd and lascivious battery occurs when an adult engages in sexual activity with a 12-15 year old minor. This can include oral, anal or vaginal penetration. Lewd molestation involves touching a minor under 16 in their private areas like their breasts, buttocks or genitals. This touching is considered “lewd” if it’s done in a lustful, indecent or sensual manner.
In Doral, allegations of molestation or lewd battery involving students often arise at schools. In one case, a Doral charter school teacher was charged with multiple counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a 13 year old student. The teacher allegedly professed her love for the student and attempted to kiss him.
While some allegations stem from misunderstandings or false accusations, others result in criminal charges that can carry severe penalties if not properly defended.
Consequences of Molestation and Lewd Battery Convictions
The consequences for lewd and lascivious battery and molestation charges in Florida depend on factors like the defendant’s criminal history and the age of the alleged victim. However, possible penalties include:
- Lewd battery – 2nd degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and 15 years sex offender probation. Minimum penalty under sentencing guidelines is 7 3⁄4 years in prison.
- Molestation – 3rd degree felony with up to 5 years in prison. Defendants may also face fines up to $5,000.
- Sex offender registration – Defendants convicted of certain sex crimes must register as a sex offender. This brings restrictions on where they can live and work.
- Probation – Terms often include sex offender treatment programs, no contact with minors, restricted computer use and more. Violations lead to prison time.
The stigma and restrictions placed on registered sex offenders can last a lifetime. That’s why aggressively fighting the charges is so important.
Common Defenses in Doral Molestation and Lewd Battery Cases
Skilled Doral sex crimes lawyers have a deep understanding of the common defenses used to fight these allegations. Possible defenses include:
False accusations – Allegations can stem from custody disputes, financial motives or misunderstandings. A lack of witnesses or physical evidence may show accusations are false.
Consent – In lewd battery cases involving teens ages 16-17, the defense may argue the minor consented and the defendant reasonably believed they were over 18.
Mistaken identity – Eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. If identity is disputed, defense investigations can uncover alibi witnesses and other exonerating evidence.
Unintentional touching – In molestation cases, the touching may have been accidental and not lewd or lustful in nature.
When false allegations arise, an attorney can work to get charges dropped early on through pre-file investigations and negotiations with prosecutors. When charges are filed, they build a strong defense around the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Why Doral Lewd and Lascivious Battery Lawyers Are Critical
Facing molestation or lewd battery charges can feel terrifying. Florida laws impose harsh mandatory minimum sentences that leave little room for judicial discretion. That’s why building an aggressive defense with an experienced lawyer is so critical.
Skilled attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Florida sex crime laws and sentencing. They can identify defenses and work to negotiate reduced charges or dismissals. If necessary, they’ll fight at trial to obtain acquittals. They also know how to present mitigating circumstances to judges in order to achieve fair sentences.
Most importantly, Doral attorneys provide the strong advocacy and guidance clients need during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Defending your rights and future requires experience. Don’t leave it to chance – contact a Doral sex crimes lawyer today.