Florida Law Enforcement Officials Take Sex Crimes Extremely Seriously

Florida law enforcement officials take sex crimes extremely seriously. In fact, anyone convicted of a sex crime in Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, can expect to face harsh penalties and the life-long stigma that follows a convicted sex offender or predator. There is a difference, however, between a sexual offender and a sexual predator. A sexual offender is an individual who has been convicted of a sex offense and who has been released after October 1, 1997, from the sanctions imposed as a result of their conviction. These types of offenses can include sexual battery, child pornography, kidnapping, the procurement of a minor under the age of 18 for prostitution, sexual performance by a child, and more. A sexual predator is an individual who has been convicted of one first- or two second-degree felony sex crimes on or after October 1, 1993. The court must also issue a written order in order for an individual to be officially labeled and registered as a sexual predator.

While status as a sexual predator cannot be removed unless you receive a full pardon or your conviction has been set aside in a later proceeding, sexual offenders who meet certain qualifications may be able to petition in order to have their sex offender status removed. Either way, if you have been arrested or charged with a sex crime, it is vital that you contact a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney at our firm right away. Our team of attorneys has more than 17 years of legal experience and one of our lead attorneys was a member of the Sex Crimes Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, so we know what it takes to build the effective, aggressive defense you will need in order to protect your rights and increase your chances of achieving favorable results.