Miramar Molestation and Lewd & Lascivious Battery Lawyers

So you got arrested for molesting a child or some other lewd and lascivious crime in Miramar, Florida? That sucks. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Being accused of something so horrible when you’re innocent is a nightmare. And even if you did do it, you still deserve compassion and a fair trial.

Let’s talk about what’s next. First up, you need a good lawyer. The legal system is complicated, and you can’t navigate it alone. A skilled attorney who regularly handles these kinds of cases in Miramar will fight for your rights. They’ll know all the technical mumbo-jumbo and make sure you get a fair shake.

Some key laws your lawyer will look at are Florida Statutes Chapter 800 which covers lewdness and indecent exposure, and Florida Statutes Chapter 794 dealing with sexual battery. The specific charges you face like lewd and lascivious molestation, lewd and lascivious conduct, lewd and lascivious exhibition, or lewd and lascivious battery depend on the details of what you’re accused of doing.

Your lawyer will review the police reports and witness statements to start planning your defense. If there’s no solid evidence against you, they can work to get the charges dropped before it ever goes to trial. If you confess or there are witnesses, your lawyer can still defend you and make the prosecutors prove their case. There may be issues with how the police handled the investigation – like if they didn’t read you your rights or forced a confession. Your lawyer knows how to get stuff like that thrown out of court so it can’t be used against you.

Your attorney may also argue there wasn’t criminal intent on your part. Maybe you were falsely accused or there was a misunderstanding about what happened. If so, your lawyer will work to show the court you didn’t mean any harm and are not a danger to society.

For juveniles accused of these crimes, there may be alternatives to going through the adult system. Your lawyer can petition to have your case moved to juvenile court where the focus is more on rehabilitation than punishment. The penalties and impact on your record are usually less severe there.

If your case does go to trial, your attorney’s job is to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. They may bring in expert witnesses to challenge the credibility of the accuser. Or point out contradictions and lack of forensic evidence to show the prosecution hasn’t met the high burden of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” It only takes one juror voting “not guilty” to hang the jury and avoid conviction.

However, because these charges are so emotionally charged, the reality is an uphill battle in many cases. The public outrage means juries and judges often take a “throw the book at them” attitude. That’s why working out a plea bargain may sometimes be the most viable strategy, even if you are innocent or there are legal technicalities in your favor.

I know, it sucks that our justice system comes down so hard on people just accused of child molestation or lewd conduct before they’ve had their day in court. Public hysteria over high profile cases has led to a rush to judgment. You hope for impartiality, but the court of public opinion sometimes influences the official courts more than we’d like to admit.

Still, a skilled lawyer can help you navigate the system to get the best possible outcome. For example, they may negotiate with prosecutors to plead to a lesser charge like simple battery. This avoids the “sex offender” label with mandatory registration and residency restrictions. Your attorney knows what evidence the prosecution has, the typical outcomes with certain judges, and the standard plea deals offered in these cases. They’ll advise you on whether to take an offer or risk trial.

I want to give you hope. Good people get accused of bad things sometimes. But truth can prevail when you have someone knowledgeable in your corner. So take a deep breath, stay strong, and start contacting experienced criminal defense attorneys in the Miramar area. Check reviews and credentials, ask lots of questions, and go with someone you feel really understands your case. This is your life on the line – fight for it!