A conviction for a sex crime in Florida is forever. Under Florida law, if you are convicted of a sex crime, your name must be placed on the state’s sex offender registry and it will likely never be removed. Even a misdemeanor offense will remain on your record for future employers and the general public to see. If you have been charged, it is critical to get the most aggressive defense representation available.

Too often, those charged with a sex crime are presumed guilty in the public eye from the beginning. This is not acceptable. Our justice system is built on the idea that we are all innocent until proven guilty. When those accused of committing a sex crime are prejudged, it can affect their ability to get a fair trial and threaten their livelihood. A highly-skilled Tampa criminal defense lawyer is needed to help cut through the noise that surrounds such an accusation.

I am Tampa sex crime lawyer Mike G. I started my legal career as an Assistant State Attorney, where I prosecuted hundreds of people for sex offenses ranging from solicitation and prostitution to felony aggravated sexual assault, including minor-aged victims. During that time, I saw firsthand how police and prosecutors overstep their constitutional authority when gathering evidence, misinterpreting witness reports and pressing their cases aggressively to seek a conviction. They showed little interest in what an arrest and conviction would do to a person’s future, even if their cases were dubious. This is harmful and unacceptable.

Call me if you or a member of your family has been charged with any level or type of sex crime in the Tampa Bay area, including:
• Aggravated sexual battery (rape).
• Sexual assault of a minor.
• Prostitution or solicitation of a prostitute.
• Internet child pornography.
• Solicitation of a minor.
• Statutory sexual assault of a minor (statutory rape).

I WILL Defend You!
Many criminal defense law firms say they offer an aggressive defense. But when it comes to sex crimes, the best many will do is to try to get the best possible outcome while attempting to keep the case at a low profile.

I will not make empty promises about an outcome except this—I WILL defend you aggressively.

I have earned the respect of local prosecutors for coming to the table and to court with a well-prepared case to avoid a conviction. That may mean thoroughly investigating to determine whether the evidence and charges against you are legitimate. It may also mean pursuing a reduced charge to a non-sex crime. Through it all, we will work together to make sure your rights are protected.

As a criminal defense attorney, I represent individuals charged with:

Sexual battery / aggravated sexual battery / rape. If you are charged with sexual battery, it is imperative that you get a Tampa sex crime attorney to represent you. This is a very serious charge and a conviction can have lifelong consequences. Related charges (or aggravating circumstances) include aggravated sexual battery (when the victim is helpless or incapacitated), sexual battery with a deadly weapon, sexual battery on a child under 12, and sexual battery likely to cause serious personal injury (when force is used to subdue a victim). If an individual is found guilty of a sexual battery charge, their punishment will depend on their age, their criminal record, the age of the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. In addition, a person found guilty of sexual battery must register as a sexual predator.

Sexual assault of a minor / sexual battery of a minor. This is considered an aggravated charge of sexual battery because of the age of the victim and is generally prosecuted harshly. Assault will be punishable by a sentence of up to 15 years, while battery can result in a sentence of up to 25 years.

Prostitution or solicitation of a prostitute. In Florida, prostitution remains illegal, as does running a brothel, soliciting a prostitute, or pimping. Punishment depends on the particular act. For example, solicitation is covered under the John Statute and will result in a $5,000 fine. For all prostitution charges, multiple offenses will lead to additional punishment. For individuals who have fallen into prostitution because of addiction, drug court may be an option. However, it is important to secure a Tampa sex crimes attorney who is knowledgeable about the system.

Internet child pornography. If you’ve been charged with possession of child pornography or distributing child pornography, a conviction may lead to large fines, Prison time is determined by each count of child pornography. For example, if charged with four counts of possession, you may be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years and a fine of $20,000. In addition, you will be required to register as a sex offender and have limits placed on where you can live.
Solicitation of a minor. In cases where the alleged victim is a minor, expect heavy prosecution. Soliciting a minor for sex online carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, however, each instance of solicitation can be charged as a separate count, increasing potential prison time.

Statutory sexual assault of a minor, also known as statutory rape. Those over 24 who engage in sexual relations with a child of who is 16 or 17 may be charged with statutory rape as the child has not yet reached the age of consent. This charge is tried as a second-degree felony and conviction may result in a sentence of up to 15 years.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction. A conviction on a sex crime charge can alter the course of one’s life. Conviction may lead to:

• A long prison sentence.
• High fines.
• Sex-offender registration.
• The possible loss of friends, family, and employment.
• The inability to find work due to conviction.
• The inability to obtain a professional license, student loans, or government assistance.
• The inability to rent a home.
• Restrictions on where you can live.
• The possibility of an ankle tracking device.

These consequences should not be taken lightly. Don’t gamble with your future— contact Mike G Law today. To learn more, visit our website