Miami Sex Crime Defense Attorney
Defending Against Sex Crime Charges in Florida
Being charged with a sex crime is extremely stressful and embarrassing. Even frivolous or minor sexual assault allegations can negatively impact an individual's personal, social and professional life. In this situation, it is vital that you get the help of a skilled Miami criminal defense lawyer. If you or someone you care about has been charged or arrested for allegations of rape, sexual assault and battery, child abuse, child molestation, date rape, prostitution, solicitation, child pornography, sex with a minor, indecent exposure or other sex crime, an attorney at the firm may be able to help.
Besides the impact sex crimes allegations can have on a person's family life, friends and career, a conviction can affect your entire future. Even an accusation can cause those closest to you to suddenly look at you differently. Attorney Tomas will treat you with the dignity and respect that you deserve. Their firm understands what you are going through and what you are facing.
Sex Offender Tiers & Classifications in Florida
There are three levels or "tiers" of sex offenders. The type of sex offense will dictate what tier of sex offender a person is classified as. Different tiers require different lengths of sex offender registration.
- Tier III- This is the most severe classification of sex offender. Those who fall under this category must register as a sex offender for life. These individuals must also verify their registration four times each year. Typically, a sex offender can fall into this category if they were convicted of a violent sexual act or a sexual act involving a young child.
- Tier II- Sex offenders classified under Tier II usually have to register for 25 years. They must also verify their registration twice a year. Some examples of sex offenses that could warrant Tier II registration include sex trafficking of minors and sexual acts with children aged 12-15.
- Tier I- This class of sex offender requires 15 years of registration with verification every year. While this is the least severe category, crimes in Tier I can be felonies or misdemeanors. Some crimes that could warrant Tier I classification include sexual contact without permission and lewd public acts.
Can a Sex Offender Vacation in Florida?
Registered sex offenders in Florida must report if they plan to move or travel out of state. If a registered sex offender plans to vacation in Florida, they must report to the sheriff’s office within 48 hours of arriving in Florida. If a registered sex offender does not report within 48 hours of arriving in Florida, it is considered a felony and could lead to jail time.
Registration Requirements for Florida Sex Offenders
Any Floridian convicted of a sex offense is required to register on the Florida Sexual Offender and Predator Registry. These registries get their information from the Florida Department of Corrections. According to § 943.0435 of the Florida Statutes, it is against the law to fail to register as a sex offender if you were required to do so. All sex offenders must register- sex offenders meaning anyone who was convicted of an offense categorized as sexual in nature. Convicted sex offenders must comply with registry that corresponds to their Tier (I, II or III).
How to Be Removed from the Florida Sex Offender Registry
If you would like to be removed from the Sex Offender Registry in Florida, you must wait at least 20 years after the conviction to do so. You must also meet these requirements:
The sex crime must be eligible for removal, some crimes are not eligible for removal. The crimes that are not eligible to be removed are:
- Sexual Battery
- Child sexual performance
- Computer Porn
- Traveling to meet someone that is a minor or prohibited computer use
- Lewd acts in front of someone under 16
- Victims must be between the ages of 14 to 17 when the act was committed.
- The crime must have happened July 1, 2007, or after.
Once you meet those requirements, you must file a petition that shows why you’re eligible for removal and must be given to the attorney within 21 days before the hearing.
Contact Our Miami Sex Crime Attorney Today
Penalties for sex crimes vary depending on the individual's prior criminal record, the severity of the crime and if any weapons or violence was involved. Sex crimes involving violence or minors may be charged as felonies and a conviction can result in several years of imprisonment, steep fines, mandatory behavioral counseling, lengthy probation time and required listing on the national sex offender registration. Registration on the sex offender list can prove to be one of the most damaging consequences of a sex crime conviction, as this list will be available to the public and can restrict you from living in certain areas and holding certain jobs.
As you can see, the consequences of a sex crime charge and conviction can ruin your entire future. That is why it is so important to hire a Miami sex crimes lawyer that you can trust. Defense Attorney Tomas uses all of his considerable skill and knowledge to aggressively defend his client and get the best outcome possible for the situation.
The firm offers a free case evaluation to every potential client, so call to discuss your case now! Contact a Miami criminal defense attorney at the firm today to get started on your case.
```
-
How Does a DUI Affect Your Life? Here's What You Need to Know -
Ayuban Antonio Tomas Achieves Board Certification as a Criminal Trial Advocate with the NBTA
-
A. Antonio Tomas, Esq. is Board Certified in Tax Law & Criminal Trial Law
-
Antonio Tomas Secures Acquittal for Client Accused of First Degree Capital Murder
-
Client Finally Released after Nearly 10 Years in Prison
-
Attorney Tomas Appeals First Degree Murder Conviction for Client
-
Florida's Youngest Inmate on Death Row
-
The Facts About Florida's "Stand Your Ground" Law
"I can not thank him enough!"In what was probably the darkest, bleakest moment of my life, Mr. Tomas was the last glimmer of hope I had.
- Former Client
