Lewd Battery Attorney Tampa
A charge involving Lewd & Lascivious Battery can place your freedom, reputation, and future at risk. A conviction may result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, severe restrictions on where you can live and work, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been arrested or investigated for this offense, it is critical to speak with an experienced Lewd Battery Attorney Tampa residents can trust as soon as possible. At Hunt Law, we understand the high stakes involved in sex crime allegations and work aggressively to protect our clients’ rights, challenge the State’s evidence, and build the strongest defense possible. Call today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated Tampa sex crimes defense attorney.
What is Lewd & Lascivious Battery in Florida?
A person commits lewd or lascivious battery by: (1) engaging in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or (2) encouraging, forcing, or enticing any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual beastiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity.
Potential Prison Time
Lewd & Lascivious Battery is a 2nd degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.
A conviction for Lewd & Lascivious Battery can result in a fine of up to $10,000.
What Are The Elements Of Lewd & Lascivious Battery?
To prove the crime of Lewd or Lascivious Battery, the State must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) engaged in sexual activity with (victim).
2. At the time, (victim) was 12 years of age or older, but less than 16 years of age.
Give if applicable. § 800.04(1), Fla. Stat.
However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a Lewd or Lascivious Battery.
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 Battery.
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 800.04(1), Fla. Stat.
“Sexual activity” means the oral, anal, or female genital** penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object.
§ 800.04(1), Fla. Stat.
“Female genitals**” includes the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, vulva, hymen, and vagina.
Give if applicable. Lakey v. State, 113 So. 3d 90 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013).
“An object” includes a finger.
Phillips v. State, 238 So. 3d 308 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018).
“Union” means contact.
§ 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 Battery, 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 Lewd Battery Attorney Tampa Residents Can Trust
Facing allegations of Lewd & Lascivious Battery in Florida is a life-changing situation that requires immediate legal representation. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges, and a conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, strict probation conditions, and a permanent felony record. If you or a loved one have been accused of this offense, working with an experienced lewd battery attorney Tampa residents rely on can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.
At Hunt Law, we understand the devastating impact a sex crime allegation can have on your career, reputation, family, and future. Our firm provides strategic and aggressive criminal defense representation for individuals charged with Lewd & Lascivious Battery and other serious sex offenses throughout Tampa and the surrounding Hillsborough County area. Every case is unique, and we carefully examine the facts, witness statements, forensic evidence, digital communications, and law enforcement procedures to identify weaknesses in the State’s case.
What Is Lewd & Lascivious Battery in Florida?
Under Florida law, Lewd & Lascivious Battery generally involves allegations of sexual activity with a minor between the ages of 12 and 16, or encouraging or forcing certain unlawful sexual conduct involving a minor. These charges are prosecuted as serious felony offenses and often involve complex factual and legal issues. Because these cases frequently rely on statements, interviews, text messages, social media evidence, and forensic analysis, it is important to have a skilled lewd battery attorney Tampa defendants can turn to for an aggressive defense strategy.
Defending Against Lewd & Lascivious Battery Charges
A criminal accusation does not equal a conviction. At Hunt Law, we explore every available defense and work to protect our clients at every stage of the case. Depending on the facts involved, potential defenses may include:
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Challenging the credibility or reliability of allegations
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Exposing inconsistencies in witness statements
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Questioning improper police interrogation tactics
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Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
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Analyzing digital and forensic evidence
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Demonstrating false accusations or mistaken identity
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Negotiating for reduced charges when appropriate
As a Tampa criminal defense firm focused exclusively on defending individuals accused of crimes, Hunt Law understands how prosecutors build these cases and how to effectively challenge them in court.
Why Hiring a Tampa Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Matters
Sex crime allegations carry unique consequences that can follow someone for the rest of their life. Even before a case is resolved, an arrest alone can damage personal relationships, employment opportunities, and professional licenses. Hiring an experienced lewd battery attorney Tampa clients trust early in the process can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and prevent costly mistakes.
If you are under investigation or have already been arrested for Lewd & Lascivious Battery in Tampa, do not speak with law enforcement without legal representation. Contact Hunt Law today for a confidential consultation and begin building a strong defense immediately.
J. Ruffin Hunt
Managing Member, Hunt Law, PLLC.
Attorney J. Ruffin Hunt is a Tampa criminal defense attorney and founder of Hunt Law, a firm focused exclusively on criminal and DUI defense throughout the Tampa Bay area. Born and raised in Tampa, Mr. Hunt earned his degree from the University of Florida before attending Stetson University College of Law. He began his legal career at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, where he gained extensive courtroom and trial experience handling misdemeanor, felony, and DUI cases. Over the course of his career, he rose to leadership positions within the office, serving as a Division Chief in multiple divisions.
Mr. Hunt has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense and understands the serious consequences that criminal charges can carry. He represents clients facing a wide range of charges, including DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence allegations, theft crimes, violent offenses, probation violations, and other serious criminal matters. As a former board member of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mr. Hunt remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals accused of crimes and providing aggressive, strategic representation for clients throughout Tampa Bay.
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625 E Twiggs Street
Tampa, FL 33602
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Client Testimonials
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Dillon - 2024
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William - 2023