Under Florida law, there is a difference between sexual assault and rape. Generally, rape is considered a more serious offense. If you have been sexually abused or raped, or are the victim of another sex crime, you may have the opportunity to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Take back control of your life when you contact a Florida sexual abuse lawyer at Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC. Schedule a confidential case review when you call our office to discuss your legal options for financial recovery.
Florida Sexual Battery Laws
In the state of Florida, sex crimes and unlawful sexual conduct are discussed in the Florida statute on sexual battery. Rape and sexual assault are similar offenses, yet they differ under the law. Typically, sexual assault can be tried as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. Conversely, rape is always considered a felony under Florida law.
If you were sexually abused or raped in the state of Florida, you may have grounds for civil action against the perpetrator. You can find out more about how to ensure the liable party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law when you contact Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC for a free consultation.
Common Sex Crimes Under Florida Law
In the state of Florida, any type of forced sexual contact falls under the sexual battery statute. Criminals can face several different types of sex offenses under the law, including:
- Rape – This occurs when the victim is forced to engage in vaginal, oral, or anal penetration with an object or sexual organ.
- Lewd and lascivious sexual activity – These crimes occur when minor children, aged 16 years or younger, are victims of exhibition or molestation.
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor – Also commonly referred to as statutory rape, these charges can apply when anyone 24 years of age or older engages in sexual activity or intercourse with someone 17 years of age or younger. It does not matter whether both parties consented to the sexual activity in statutory rape cases.
- Solicitation and/or prostitution – Offering sexual acts in exchange for something of value such as money is grounds for prostitution and solicitation charges. Parties who can face charges for solicitation and prostitution include sex workers, pimps, “madams”, and “johns”.
For a free legal consultation, call 321-503-4014
How to Bring the Perpetrator to Justice
You can take action against the person who sexually abused or raped you in several ways. First and foremost, the perpetrator could be facing criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the defendant could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges. If convicted of sexual battery at the felony level, the defendant could face $10,000 in fines and a prison term of up to 15 years.
However, if aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or sexually abusing someone who is physically incapable of resisting, the charges could be increased to a life felony or first-degree felony. If convicted at this level, the defendant could be facing life in prison. Those who are released on parole may be required to register as sex offenders, typically for the rest of their lives.
However, criminal charges are not the only way the defendant can be held accountable. You can take action against them by reaching out to a sexual abuse lawyer in Brevard County for help. With a personal injury lawyer on your side, you can seek to hold the perpetrator accountable in civil court. Your abuser and anyone else who is responsible for facilitating the abuse could be ordered to compensate you for damages, accordingly.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Civil Claims
Sexual abuse claims are considered a type of personal injury lawsuit. Florida law has one of the most victim-friendly statute of limitations for personal injury claims in the country. Injury victims have up to four years to get their lawsuits filed.
If your civil claim is not filed before the statute of limitations runs out, the courts will have no other choice but to prohibit you from moving forward with your case. The sooner you get a sexual abuse lawyer on your side, the sooner we can begin gathering evidence against your abuser and recover the compensation you need to go on with your life.
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Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Brevard County Today
No matter what type of sex crime you endured, you can take action against those responsible for your suffering. Make the liable party pay. Contact a Brevard county sexual abuse lawyer at Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC today.
Our firm is proud to offer no-cost, risk-free consultations to sexual abuse survivors across Brevard County and surrounding cities. Claim yours when you call us or complete our secure contact form.
Call or text 321-503-4014 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
