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Lewd & Lascivious Molestation

Being accused of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation is an extremely serious matter that can carry life-altering consequences, including prison time, sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation and career. Depending on the age of the alleged victim, a conviction can be punished by up to life in prison. Call now for a confidential consultation to discuss your options and begin building a strong defense.

What is Lewd & Lascivious Molestation in Florida?

Section 800.04, Florida Statutes

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

  • 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.

    • 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).​

  • ​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.​

  • 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.

  • 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.

A jail cell, depicting incarceration

Potential Fine

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

A Defendant paying a fine to a court for a criminal case

Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Section 943.0435, Florida Statutes

A conviction for Lewd & Lascivious Molestation will result in becoming a registered sex offender.

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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.

Person having to register as a sex offender

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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Tampa criminal defense attorney dressed in a suit, representing legal help for clients facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida

S.R.

"Ruffin was awesome and did everything he said he would do to the letter. If there was a 10-star rating, I would give him one of those. Highly recommend him for anything you need!"
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