Law Offices of Steve Bartlett, P.A.

Call for a free consultation 1-727-942-1000

Sex Crimes

Criminal Lawyer

Florida's laws regarding sex crimes are very harsh and could jeopardize your liberty: The maximum sentence for a charge of a lewd and lascivious act on a person under sixteen is fifteen years in prison. This crime is also referred to as statutory rape or L&L. The maximum sentence for a charge of sexual battery (also known as rape ) may be between fifteen years and life imprisonment. If the alleged victim is younger than twelve years old, the mandatory sentence is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This crime is generally referred to a or cap sex.

Besides the loss of liberty, a conviction for a sex crime causes the Defendant to be stigmatized for life. Nothing is more demeaning than being labeled a sexual predator. A sexual predator must register within 48 hours each time he changes employment or moves to a new address. After registration, the government notifies the public of the Defendant's status through the internet and by contacting all schools within a one mile radius of the Defendant's residence. Sexual predators are usually not allowed to have any future contact with children. Failing to register is a felony that can result in an additional prison sentence.

Click on cover to open book

Click corner to switch pages

The legal system is designed to make life as difficult as possible for convicted sex offenders. It is almost impossible for a sex offender to obtain a job or to live a normal life after conviction. Under the Jimmy Ryce Act, a person convicted of any crime, after previously being previously convicted of a sex crime, can be involuntarily institutionalized in a 'mental hospital" for life upon release from prison.

Although many defendants accused of sex crimes are in fact guilty, I believe that many more are innocent and have been falsely accused. The infamous McMartin case, which was the longest jury trial in American history, exposed the truth that children are easily manipulated to fabricate lies again innocent individuals. Moreover, many "alleged victims" use the legal system as a weapon to benefit their own personal agendas. Nevertheless, the legal system has created

laws such as the "Rape Shield" statute and the "Child Hearsay" exception to the Florida Rules of Evidence that make defending sex crimes even more difficult.

Because you have been arrested for a sex crime, you need a criminal lawyer willing to fight like hell to protect your rights. Although I am not afraid to rigorously cross examine "alleged victims," regardless of their ages. I would not be honest if I didn't tell you that we were fighting an uphill

battle. However, I promise that we'll fight as hard as possible to win your case. Nothing is as important to me as protecting an innocent person's freedom.

I am an experienced Board Certified Trial Specialist. Less than one percent of attorneys in Florida are Board Certified. Only Board Certified attorneys are permitted to call themselves specialists or experts in Criminal Law. Common sense dictates that you

don't hire a family doctor to perform brain surgery - you hire a specialist. Likewise, because your freedom is at stake, don't make the mistake of hiring a criminal defense lawyer who isn't recognized by the Florida Bar as a specialist in criminal law. Instead, hire a criminal attorney who is Board Certified. If you need a criminal lawyer because you are charged with lewd and lascivious (L&L), sexual battery (rape), or any other sex crime

in Clearwater, New Port Richey, or somewhere else in the Tampa Bay area, don't hesitate to call an experienced board certified criminal attorney. We offer Free Consultations and individually suited Payment Plans.