Fort Lauderdale Rape Defense Lawyers

Fighting Serious Sex Crime Charges

Being charged with rape or any other sex crime can alter your life forever. The penalties are severe no matter the circumstances. Rather than try to fight these charges on your own, work with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer at Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

Our rape defense lawyers in Fort Lauderdale understand the severity of the charges you are facing and are prepared to craft an effective defense strategy capable of withstanding the prosecution’s case against you. As former prosecutors ourselves, we know how to anticipate the opposition and can remain one step ahead at every stage.

Call us at (954) 840-8713 if you are up against the criminal justice system. We are ready to fight for you.

Understanding Florida’s Rape Laws

In Florida, rape does not have its own legal definition. Instead, rape is considered a form of sexual battery. When pursuing a rape conviction, prosecutors must prove that the defendant penetrated the victim orally, vaginally, or anally, or that the victim’s mouth, vagina, or anus was touched by the defendant’s sexual organ. Prosecutors also need to prove that the victim did not consent to the action unless the victim was under the age of 12.

In Florida, consent must be intelligent, voluntary, and knowing – coerced submission is not consensual. Consent cannot be construed as the victim’s failure to physically resist. Mental disability, physical disability, consciousness, and intoxication all impact a person’s ability to give consent.

Penalties for Rape

Rape allegations mean that the victim believes he or she was forced into engaging in a sexual act without consent. Prosecutors will look at all of the details, no matter how slight, to secure a conviction.

Under Fl. Stat. Ann. §794.011, potential penalties for rape include:

• Hefty fines costing thousands of dollars
• Lengthy prison sentence, including a possible life sentence
• Mandatory registration as a sex offender

The exact penalties you could face upon conviction will depend on the circumstances of the alleged offense. Penalties may be exacerbated under certain conditions.

Your punishment will depend on:

• The age of the victim and your own age
• Whether any weapons were used when committing the crime
• The extent of the victim’s suffering or injuries

Avoid the Negative Stigma of a Rape Conviction

Perhaps the most damning of all the consequences of a rape conviction is the forced registration as a sex offender. This will become public knowledge. Neighbors, colleagues, associates, and acquaintances can all access this information, forever branding the convicted person as a sex offender. You do not want these types of charges to alter your reputation or your life like this. To fight your charges effectively, you need a Fort Lauderdale rape defense lawyer from Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

Speak to an Experienced Legal Team

Our firm defends clients from all walks of life who have been charged with sex crimes. Very few of these offenses are as serious as being accused of rape. When your future is at stake, you will need a trusted attorney who works solely to protect you.

Your initial consultation with our team is free. Call us at (954) 840-8713 today.