Sex Abuse Lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL

Accused of Sexual Abuse in Broward County, FL?

Sexual abuse encompasses a broad range of crimes, and the law discerns these based on the severity of the offense as well as the age of the victim. Sexual abuse of a child may mean molestation, and sexual abuse of an adult could mean rape or another form of forced sexual contact.

If you are facing charges for sexual abuse in Broward County, contact our team today for a free consultation!

Broward County Sexual Abuse Charges

These types of cases are always emotionally charged for victims and their families. Jurors also tend to favor the victim’s side when they first learn about the nature of the crime. It is up to the defense team to prove that the evidence in the trial is not strong enough to convict the accused.

Sexual abuse charges may include:

• Sexual assault on a child
• Indecent exposure
• Child pornography exposure
• Soliciting a prostitute
• Forcing someone to engage in prostitution

Is Sexual Assault Possible in a Marriage?

Spouses share legal marital privileges, but these perks aren’t limitless. Therefore, it’s important to establish where the law draws the line regarding marital privilege and criminal activity. That’s why Hager & Schwartz is here to determine if sexual assault is possible in a marriage.

Consent & Marriage

In the past, marriage vows were legally regarded as “forms of consent” to have sex with a spouse. In fact, all 50 states didn’t have laws against marital rape until 1993. Since then, many states (including Florida) make no distinctions between rape and sexual abuse among strangers and rape and sexual abuse among spouses.

As a result of marital rape laws, husbands and wives can be charged with sexual assault or sexual battery by their spouses.

The Problem of Consent in Marriage

While sexual assault is possible in marriage, proving an accusation of sexual assault is more difficult in a marital relationship when compared to other circumstances. This difficulty stems from the fact that after years of being together, some spouses may rarely ask for consent before “making a move” on their partner. Unfortunately, actions like these based on false assuredness could lead to accusations of sexual assault.

Consent in a marital relationship is further muddied by the fact that Florida law considers consent to “not include coerced submission.” As a result, a husband or wife who pleads with their partner for sex could be charged for sexual assault due to a prosecutor’s heavy-handed take on the meaning of “coerced submission.”

Have You Been Accused of Sexual Assault?

It is necessary to hire a Fort Lauderdale sexual abuse lawyer if you have been accused of a sex crime. You have rights under the law. Yet, the legal system is often difficult to navigate because it can be very complicated. This is when you will need an attorney who has handled these types of cases and is ready to fight.

Defending someone against a crime charge requires meticulous and thorough research into the facts of the case. Our attorneys look at every possible situation to find a solution that works in our clients’ best interests. We also look into the alleged victim’s background to determine their motives. They may have a hidden agenda or other reasons why they wish to accuse you, which can be used in your favor.

Begin Building your Defense for a Sexual Abuse Case Today

Collectively, the Fort Lauderdale lawyers at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. have 40+ years of experience. This is one of the ways we work to protect you from serious and life-altering penalties, which may include fines, imprisonment, and court-ordered registration as a sex offender, which will be publicly available information. It is our mission to protect you from blemishes on your record and other damaging effects of sexual abuse charges.

Serious offenses need serious legal representation. Contact our Fort Lauderdale sexual abuse attorneys today for a no-cost case evaluation.