Child Molestation Attorney Tampa
If you have been accused of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation, it is critical to speak with an experienced child molestation attorney Tampa residents can trust as soon as possible. These allegations are aggressively prosecuted in Florida and can carry devastating consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation, career, and future. Depending on the age of the alleged victim and the specific allegations involved, a conviction may even be punishable by life in prison. At Hunt Law, we understand the seriousness of these charges and the importance of building a strong, strategic defense from the very beginning. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated child molestation attorney Tampa defendants can rely on to protect their rights and future.
What is Lewd & Lascivious Molestation in Florida?
A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age, or forces or entices a person under 16 years of age to so touch the perpetrator, commits lewd or lascivious molestation.
Potential Prison Time
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Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender 18 years of age or older against a victim less than 12 years of age is a life felony, punishable by up to life in Florida State Prison.
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This offense carries a mandatory minimum 25 year prison sentence. If the offender is sentenced to less than life in prison, they remain on probation for the rest of their life. (Section 775.082, Florida Statutes).
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Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender less than 18 years of age against a victim less than 12 years of age is a 2nd degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.
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Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender 18 years of age or older against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age is a felony of the 2nd degree, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.
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Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender less than 18 years of age against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age is a felony of the 3rd degree, punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.
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A conviction for Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender 18 years of age or older against a victim less than 12 years of age can result in a fine of up to $15,000.
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A conviction for Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender less than 18 years of age against a victim less than 12 years of age can result in a fine of up to $10,000.
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A conviction for Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by an offender 18 years of age or older against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age can result in a fine of up to $10,000.
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A conviction for Lewd & Lascivious Molestation by and offender less than 18 years of age against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age can result in a fine of up to $5,000.
What Are The Elements Of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation?
To prove the crime of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, the State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Give 1a or 1b or both as applicable.
1. (Defendant),
a. in a lewd or lascivious manner, intentionally touched the [breasts] [genitals] [genital area] [buttocks] [clothing covering the breasts] [clothing covering the genitals] [clothing covering the genital area] [clothing covering the buttocks] of (victim).
b. in a lewd or lascivious manner, intentionally [forced] [enticed] (victim) to touch the [breasts] [genitals] [genital area] [buttocks] [clothing covering the breasts] [clothing covering the genitals] [clothing covering the genital area] [clothing covering the buttocks] of (defendant).
Give 2a or 2b as applicable.
2. At the time, (victim)
a. was 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age.
b. was less than 12 years of age.
Give 3a or 3b as applicable.
3. At the time, (defendant)
a. was 18 years of age or older.
b. was less than 18 years of age.
Give if applicable. § 800.04(8), Fla. Stat.
A mother’s breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute a Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.
The words “lewd” and “lascivious” mean the same thing: a wicked, lustful, unchaste, licentious, or sensual intent on the part of the person doing an act.
§ 800.04(3), Fla. Stat.
The defendant’s ignorance of (victim’s) age, (victim’s) misrepresentation of [his] [her] age, or the defendant’s bona fide belief of (victim’s) age is not a defense to the crime charged.
Give if applicable.
“Bona fide” means genuine.
Give if applicable. § 800.04(2), Fla. Stat.
Neither (victim’s) lack of chastity nor (victim’s) consent is a defense to the crime charged.
§ 800.04(1), Fla. Stat.
“Consent” means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent, and does not include submission by coercion.
§ 800.04(1), Fla. Stat.
“Coercion” means the use of exploitation, bribes, threats of force, or intimidation to gain cooperation or compliance.
Give if applicable. § 775.0862, Fla. Stat.
Reclassification for sexual offense against student by school authority figure.
If you find that (defendant) committed the crime of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, you must also determine whether the State has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that (defendant) was an authority figure at a school and (victim) was a student at the same school.
“Authority figure” means a person 18 years of age or older who is employed by, volunteering at, or under contract with a school.
“School” means an organization of students for instructional purposes on an elementary, middle or junior high school, secondary or high school, [or other public school level authorized under the rules of the State Board of Education]. The term “school” does not include facilities dedicated exclusively to the education of adults. If needed, insert appropriate definitions from § 775.0862(1)(b), Fla. Stat. for “private school” or “voluntary prekindergarten education program” or “early learning program” or “public school as described in s. 402.3025(1)” or “the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind” or the “Florida Virtual School” or the “K-8 Virtual School.”
“Student” means a person younger than 18 years of age who is enrolled at a school.
Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Florida imposes some of the strictest sex offender registration and reporting requirements in the country. Individuals required to register must provide detailed person information such as addresses, employment, vehicles, electronic identifiers, fingerprints, and photographs, and must keep that information continuously updated with law enforcement. Failure to comply with these strict reporting requirements can result in new felony charges, making timely reporting an ongoing and critical obligation for anyone on Florida's registry.
Experienced Child Molestation Attorney Tampa Defendants Can Trust
Being investigated or charged with Lewd & Lascivious Molestation in Florida can place your entire future at risk. These cases are among the most aggressively prosecuted criminal offenses in the state and often involve severe penalties, including mandatory prison sentences, sex offender registration, probation, electronic monitoring, and lifelong damage to your reputation. If you are facing allegations involving inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor, it is critical to contact an experienced child molestation attorney Tampa residents can rely on immediately.
At Hunt Law, we understand that accusations alone can destroy careers, relationships, and reputations long before a case ever reaches trial. As a dedicated child molestation attorney Tampa firm, we aggressively defend clients accused of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation and other serious sex crimes throughout Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area. Every case is different, and many allegations arise from misunderstandings, false accusations, mistaken identity, custody disputes, or unreliable statements. Early intervention by an experienced defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Understanding Lewd & Lascivious Molestation Charges in Florida
Under Florida law, Lewd & Lascivious Molestation generally involves intentionally touching a person under the age of 16 in a sexual manner or forcing or encouraging a minor to touch another person in a sexual way. The severity of the charge and potential penalties often depend on the ages of both the accused and the alleged victim. In some cases, a conviction can result in decades in prison or even life imprisonment.
Because these cases often rely heavily on witness statements, forensic interviews, electronic communications, and circumstantial evidence, having a skilled child molestation attorney Tampa courts and prosecutors respect is essential. At Hunt Law, we carefully analyze every aspect of the State’s evidence to identify inconsistencies, constitutional violations, credibility issues, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Aggressive Defense Against Serious Sex Crime Allegations
Sex crime allegations require immediate and strategic legal representation. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers frequently begin building their case long before formal charges are filed. Speaking to investigators without an attorney can seriously damage your defense and may provide the State with evidence they later attempt to use against you.
Hunt Law provides aggressive and confidential representation for individuals accused of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation and related offenses. As an experienced child molestation attorney Tampa defendant's rely on, Ruffin Hunt works to protect clients at every stage of the case, including:
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Pre-arrest investigations
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Motions to suppress evidence
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Trial preparation and litigation
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Negotiations with prosecutors
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Appeals and post-conviction matters
Our firm understands the high stakes involved in these cases and fights to protect your freedom, reputation, and constitutional rights.
Contact a Child Molestation Attorney Tampa Residents Can Depend On
If you or a loved one has been accused of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation in Tampa or the surrounding areas, do not wait to seek legal help. The earlier you involve an experienced defense attorney, the greater your opportunity to protect your rights and begin building a strong defense strategy. Contact Hunt Law today for a confidential consultation with a trusted child molestation attorney Tampa clients turn to when everything is on the line.
Call Now For A Free Consultation
If you've been charged with Lewd & Lascivious Molestation, it's important to act quickly. A conviction can result in significant prison time and require you to register as a sex offender and continuously remain compliant with Florida's strict reporting and registration requirements. Call now to speak with an experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney and take the first step towards building a strong defense.
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