Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Myers And Surrounding Areas
Along with offenses like murder, sex crimes are some of the most serious allegations a person can face. As the subject of these charges, you need the help of an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney like ours at Patrick McLain Law. We serve clients in Lee County and throughout the surrounding areas of Florida.
Understanding The Gravity Of Your Criminal Charges
It is wise to contact our sex crime defense attorneys right away if you’ve been charged with, arrested for or even accused of any of the following acts:
Sexual battery (rape): Commonly known as rape, sexual battery involves nonconsensual sexual intercourse. This can occur through force, threat or when the victim is incapacitated.
Lewd or lascivious acts: These offenses involve inappropriate sexual behavior with minors. This can include acts such as touching, exposure or other indecent conduct aimed at individuals under the age of 16.
Sexual assault: An umbrella term encompassing various forms of unwanted sexual contact that fall short of intercourse. This includes groping, fondling or any other nonconsensual physical touch.
Child pornography: Possessing, distributing or creating explicit material involving minors. It is illegal to have or share any form of child pornography.
Solicitation of a minor: This offense involves attempting to engage a minor in sexual activity. This can occur through communication, whether in person or via the internet.
Indecent exposure: Exposing private parts in public or in the presence of others in a way that is offensive or inappropriate.
Internet sex offenses: Using the internet to engage in illegal sexual activities, such as soliciting minors, distributing child pornography or engaging in explicit conversations with minors.
Statutory rape: It is illegal for someone aged 24 or older to engage in sexual activities with a minor who is 16 or 17 years old. Consent is not a defense in these cases, as minors are legally incapable of providing consent.
Conviction for these or any other sex offenses could result in lengthy prison sentences, fines and restitution, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Trying to resolve these charges on your own or providing any type of explanation to the police could end up making things worse. Instead, protect your rights and your defense options by contacting a lawyer before speaking to law enforcement.
Common Defense Strategies Against Sex Offense Charges
Depending on the specific allegations and the details of your case, our sex crime defense attorneys may be able to utilize numerous defense strategies on your behalf, including:
- False allegations – Arguing that the alleged victim had a reason to falsely accuse you, such as revenge or personal gain.
- Mistaken identity – In cases where the alleged victim did not know the alleged abuser, it’s quite possible that they could have identified the wrong person. Having an alibi is especially helpful when arguing that you were wrongfully accused.
- Lack of evidence – Many sexual assault and battery cases come down to one person’s word against another’s. It is the prosecution’s job to prove your guilt – not your job to prove your innocence.
- Violation of your rights – How police collect evidence is critical. If officers violated your rights against unreasonable search and seizure, for instance, it may be possible to have evidence suppressed, meaning it cannot be used to convict you.
During your free initial consultation, our knowledgeable and detail-oriented criminal defense lawyers will take the time to hear your version of events and explain your various defense options.
Schedule Your Free And Confidential Consultation Today
Based in Fort Myers, Patrick McLain Law serves clients in Lee and Collier county, along with the surrounding areas of Southwest Florida. To speak to one of our sex crime defense attorneys in a free and confidential consultation, call 239-737-3735 or reach out online.