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Molestation and Lewd & Lascivious Battery Charges in Fort Lauderdale—What to Do

If you or a loved one have been accused of molestation or lewd and lascivious battery in Fort Lauderdale, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, like, yesterday. These charges can completely turn your life upside down. Let’s talk about what these charges mean, potential defenses, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can help.

What is Lewd and Lascivious Battery?

Lewd and lascivious battery is a serious felony charge in Florida. It means engaging in sexual activity with a person under 16 years old, like touching private parts in a lewd manner. This charge can lead to hefty fines, years in prison, and lifelong sex offender registration. Yikes.

The legal definition per Florida statute 800.04 says lewd and lascivious battery is:

“Engaging in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age”

It’s considered a second-degree felony in Florida, with up to 15 years in prison. Not good.

What is Molestation?

Molestation refers to sexual crimes against children under 12 years old in Florida. There are a few specific molestation charges:

Lewd and Lascivious Molestation – Sexual activity against a child under 12 by someone over 18.
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct – Sexual touching against a child under 16 by someone over 18.
Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition – Exposing private parts to a child under 16 in a lewd way.

Like lascivious battery, molestation charges come with steep penalties – we’re talking years in prison, thousands in fines, and lifetime sex offender status.

Why You Need a Lawyer ASAP

If you’ve been accused of these types of crimes, it’s critical to call a Fort Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer immediately. Do not wait. The police and prosecution are building a case against you, and you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights.

A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate the evidence and work to get charges reduced or dismissed if flaws exist. They also know how to negotiate with the prosecution for a better plea deal versus going to trial.

An attorney can also advise you on potential defenses based on the facts of your case. For example, if the alleged victim lied about their age, that’s a valid defense. Or if you had a reasonable belief they were over 16, that’s a defense that could lead to acquittal.

But you need a lawyer to argue these defenses persuasively in court. Don’t go it alone here – hire a professional.

Fort Lauderdale Sex Crimes Lawyers Ready to Fight For You

The attorneys at John Doe Law Firm have decades of combined experience defending against molestation and lewd and lascivious battery charges in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas.

We dig into every aspect of the allegations to build the strongest defense possible. This includes thoroughly investigating the accuser’s background and credibility. We’ve helped many clients avoid harsh penalties by exposing inconsistencies and lies.

Our lawyers also have great working relationships with local prosecutors and law enforcement contacts. We use these connections to gain insights and negotiate better outcomes for our clients whenever possible.

And if going to trial is in your best interests, we have an excellent track record persuading juries to find reasonable doubt in molestation and battery cases. Our cross-examination skills are top-notch – we know how to tactfully expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.

Every case is different. But with our attorneys’ experience and dedication, we can help you understand the legal options and build strategies to achieve the best possible result. Don’t leave your future to chance here – call us for a free consultation today.

Fighting Back Against False Allegations

One difficult aspect of molestation and lewd conduct charges is that they sometimes stem from false accusations. Relationships gone bad, bitter divorce disputes, or teenage rebellions can motivate people to make untrue claims that are nonetheless damaging.

If you’ve been wrongly accused, our legal team will work tirelessly to reveal inconsistencies and outright lies. We take a compassionate but aggressive approach to defending our clients against false allegations.

For example, we may find proof the accuser made contradictory statements to friends about what happened. Or we can show they have a history of dishonesty and criminal behavior. Often, so-called victims have clear motives to fabricate molestation claims for revenge or financial gain during divorces.

Our lawyers are experts at bringing these facts into the light so prosecutors, judges and juries see reasonable doubt. We have successfully defended many clients against fabricated molestation and battery charges thanks to our thorough investigations and strategic preparation.

The Sooner You Call, the Better

Don’t wait to call an attorney if you or someone you love has been accused of molestation, lewd conduct, or lascivious battery in the Fort Lauderdale area. The police build these cases quickly, so you need to act fast.

Call us 24/7 for emergency legal help and a free case review. We will immediately start assessing the evidence, looking into the accuser’s background, and building a strong defense strategy.

The sooner you have an experienced lawyer in your corner, the better your chances of avoiding harsh penalties down the road. We’re here for you when you need us most – call today.

Defenses That Work in Fort Lauderdale Molestation Cases

There are various defenses that can lead to reduced or dismissed charges in Fort Lauderdale molestation and lewd conduct cases. An experienced lawyer knows how to apply the facts to these defenses for the best outcome.

Some of the most effective defenses we use include:

Consent – If the alleged victim was over 16 and consented to the sexual activity.
Mistake of Age – If you had a reasonable belief the minor was over 16 based on their appearance, what they told you, etc.
False Accusations – As discussed above, we build strong cases exposing fabricated allegations.
Lack of Corroborating Evidence – No DNA, witnesses or other proof to support the charges.
Mental Defect – You have a mental disability that prevented understanding the nature of the acts.
Entrapment – Law enforcement induced you to commit the acts you otherwise wouldn’t have.

The key is having an experienced Fort Lauderdale sex crimes attorney who can analyze the available defenses and apply them effectively to get charges dropped or penalties reduced. Don’t leave it to chance – call us today.

How a Conviction Can Ruin Your Life

Make no mistake – a conviction for molestation, lewd conduct, or lascivious battery can permanently devastate your life. Here are some of the brutal consequences:

Long prison sentence – We’re talking years or even decades behind bars.
Massive fines – Penalties can reach $15,000 or more.
Lifetime sex offender registration – Your name, photo and address on a public database forever. Restrictions on where you can live, work and more.
Loss of rights – Voting, gun ownership and other rights revoked.
Destruction of reputation – Friends, family, employers find out. Social pariah status.
Job loss – Good luck finding decent work as a registered sex offender.
Family consequences – Spouse divorces, loss of child custody, estranged from relatives.

This is your life we’re talking about. Don’t leave it in the hands of an overzealous prosecutor – get an experienced lawyer fighting for you.

Why the Right Lawyer Matters

Defending against molestation and lewd conduct accusations requires highly skilled legal counsel. Here’s why the right lawyer makes all the difference:

Negotiation skills – They can persuade prosecutors to reduce or drop charges where possible.
Courtroom experience – Proven track record getting acquittals and charge dismissals at trial.
Case investigation – Thoroughly probes backgrounds, motives and flaws in allegations.
Understands defenses – Applies defenses like consent, mistake of age, fabrication, etc.
Legal knowledge – Deep understanding of Florida statutes and case law precedents.
Resources – Hires investigators, forensic experts and others to build the best case.
Reputation – Respected by prosecutors and judges to command influence.

Don’t chance it with an inexperienced lawyer. The consequences are too high. Call our office today for a free consultation with a trusted Fort Lauderdale defense attorney.

What a Fort Lauderdale Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Do For You

If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for molestation, lewd conduct or lascivious battery, a skilled Fort Lauderdale sex crimes lawyer can provide immense help:

Examine the evidence and look for violations of your rights or other ways to get charges dismissed.
Launch an independent investigation into the background of the accuser and witnesses.
Identify the flaws and inconsistencies in the allegations against you.
Consult with expert witnesses who can rebut the prosecution’s arguments.
Negotiate with the prosecution to get charges reduced or dropped completely.
File motions contesting improper police procedures, inadmissible evidence, etc.
Build a persuasive case with evidence and testimony showing reasonable doubt.
Present powerful opening and closing arguments highlighting the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Skillfully cross-examine the witnesses, especially the accuser, to undermine credibility.
Advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain or take your case to trial.
Handle the appeals process if convicted after trial.

Having an advocate like this in your corner can make all the difference between prison time and dismissed charges. Don’t delay – call our office now for help.

Why Delaying Hurts Your Defense

Time is truly of the essence when facing molestation or lewd conduct charges. Here are some reasons why delaying legal help can hurt your case:

Evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.
Witnesses’ memories fade, making testimony less certain.
Prosecutors strengthen their case and get corroborating evidence.
The alleged victim has more time to coordinate stories with witnesses.
You miss opportunities to get charges dropped early in the process.
Legal arguments become less effective as the case progresses.
Prosecutors have less incentive to make plea bargain deals later on.
It becomes harder to find weaknesses and inconsistencies in the allegations.

Don’t wait and hope the problem goes away. The sooner an experienced lawyer gets involved, the better your chances of avoiding life-ruining penalties. Call us 24/7 for emergency assistance.

Fort Lauderdale Molestation and Lewd & Lascivious Battery Lawyers