Orlando Sexual Assault Lawyer
A sexual assault charge can uproot your life even if you are never brought to trial or convicted by a jury of your peers. The mere accusation is often enough to label someone a “sexual predator” in the eyes of the public. And a conviction can not only mean significant jail time, but a permanent mark that will follow you the rest of your life.
So if you have been arrested on allegations related to sexual assault or a similar offense, you must be prepared to defend yourself in court. Our Orlando sexual assault lawyer can help. The Joshi Law Firm, PA, is a dedicated Central Florida criminal defense firm that has represented clients in many high-profile and sensitive cases. Our founder is himself a former Florida state prosecutor, so he understands how serious a sexual assault charge is for the accused and their family.
How Florida Law Defines “Sexual Assault”
Every state has its own laws related to sexual assault or rape. In Florida, these crimes are commonly classified as “sexual battery.” This refers to the non-consensual “oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object.” It can also cover the offense commonly known as statutory rape, where the victim is considered too young under the law to consent to any sexual activity.
Under recent changes to Florida’s sexual assault laws, sexual battery can be a capital offense–meaning the death penalty is a potential punishment–if the defendant was 18 or older and the victim was under the age of 12. Even in non-capital cases, however, many sexual assaults are classified as life felonies, which as the name suggests are punishable by a sentence of life in prison. Other sexual assault cases are charged as a first- or second-degree felony, which at the low end can still mean at least 15 years in prison.
Beyond going to jail, however, a sexual assault conviction often carries a number of collateral consequences. For example, even after release you may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. You may be restricted in terms of where you can live or what jobs you can hold. You can even be barred from obtaining a student loan or other forms of government assistance.
Contact Our Orlando Sexual Assault Lawyers
As devastating as a sexual assault accusation can be, you may have one or more options for defending yourself against such charges. You might be the victim of mistaken identity or a false accusation. You may be able to prove the accuser consented to the sexual acts. Or the police may have violated your constitutional rights in the course of their investigation, rendering certain evidence against you inadmissible in court.
Our Orlando sexual assault lawyers can review your case and advise you of your options. Call the Joshi Law Firm, PA, today at 844-GO-JOSHI or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
