According to reports, the man was a former convicted sex offender from another state. Between June and November of 2011, the man traveled to Florida. He now resides permanently in the state.
]]> The indictment claims that the man failed to register as a sex offender, which is required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. As a result, if convicted, the man faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.As one can see, the consequences of a sex crime are forever--they never go away. For this reason, if you face such allegations, it is important to get adequate legal representation. Furthermore, if you are ultimately found guilty of a crime, you must ensure that your attorney has fully explained your privileges and limitations under the sentence. If you do not have a sufficient understanding of what you are required to do, you may find yourself in a similar situation as the man in this story.
Source: News 4 Jax, "Sex offender indicted on failing to register," May 18, 2012
]]>In recent news, a 28-year-old teacher at Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida, has been accused of having sexual relations with a 16-year-old student. She has been charged with one count of unlawful sexual acts with a minor and one count of unlawful transmission of pornography by an electronic device.
]]> According to reports, the teacher called the teenager to her classroom and claimed that he had left something behind. Subsequently, sources say that the female teacher took advantage of the student.Last fall, detectives began investigating the possibility of a relationship between the student and teacher. During this time, she denied the accusations, resigned from her teaching job and subsequently relocated to Colorado.
Nevertheless, last month, sources say that the alleged victim admitted to the relationship, which has led to the teacher's arrest. He claimed that the relations were from the year prior. Furthermore, he indicated that the teacher had sent him inappropriate photos. She has been extradited back to Osceola and is now held on $85,000 bond.
If the woman is convicted of this crime, she will undoubtedly lose her future as a teacher. No school would hire a convicted sex offender. For this reason, it will be imperative that she has a solid legal team defending her in this case.
Sources: Huffington Post, "Kacy Christine Wilson, former teacher, allegedly had sex with 16-year-old student in school closet," Laura Hibbard, May 7, 2012
WKMG Orlando, "Teacher accused of sex with student," May 3, 2012
]]>Under Florida law, the rape of someone who is 12 to 18 is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Furthermore, when prosecuting a sexual battery case, the county looks for ways to enhance the level of the offense. Also, if one is convicted, prosecutors attempt to increase the amount of prison time faced. For example, the following circumstances can be used to enhance an offense.
Reports say that authorities executed a search of the man's house and purportedly recovered evidence; however, there are no details on exactly what was taken.
If the man is convicted of this crime, he will face serious repercussions. Nevertheless, even when one is simply charged with sexual battery, he or she can confront consequences. For example, since the allegations, the man is not permitted to volunteer on the school campus. Hopefully, as he waits for his next court appearance, he will work with an experienced attorney in an effort to protect his rights. After all, he does not want the severity of his case enhanced in any way.
Source: WKMG-Orlando, "Volunteer high school basketball coach arrested on sexual battery charges," April 17, 2012
]]>Specifically, the man has been arrested for the alleged rape against his stepdaughter, which dates all the way back to 1969.
]]> According to reports, the suspect raped his stepdaughter twice a week when her mother was at work. Sources claim that when the stepdaughter was 14, the suspect impregnated her. She delivered a baby in 1973, which passed away one day after birth.Ultimately, investigators sent the capital rape case to a grand jury. After an indictment was issued, the suspect was arrested at his home in Palm Beach County. Sources claim that the man has provided authorities with a complete confession.
As in this case, sexual battery is capital crime if you are 18 years or older and commit or attempt to commit rape against a person under the age of 12. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the state to prove consent in a capital sexual battery case. The charge presumes that a child under the age of 12 is incapable of giving consent.
The rape of someone who is 12 to 18 is a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. However, because the man has been charged with capital sexual battery, if he is convicted, he will face life in prison.
As one can see, crimes from the past can come back to haunt you in present day--even 43 years later. It does not matter if you have reformed or changed; a sex crime can stick with you for life. As a result, if you are confronting charges that date back to your past, you must nonetheless ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Source: My Fox Tampa Bay, "Man jailed over 1969 rape allegations," Kelly Joyce, April 20, 2012
]]>The physician is a local anesthesiologist, and he earns half a million dollars a year. Florida police have arrested the doctor and charged him with 33 counts of possession of child pornography.
]]> According to reports, authorities found pictures in his possession that consisted mostly of young girls. The investigation began when someone close to the suspect tipped off authorities. A search warrant was issued of the doctor's home. Authorities confiscated electronic devices, including the hard drive of an iMac.While the most commonly known child pornography charge relates to the possession of child pornography, there are a variety of similar criminal charges, which include the following:
In this particular case, the man is confronting a possession charge. If he is found guilty, he faces decades in jail. Furthermore, he will probably lose his prestigious job.
As one can see, if one is convicted of a child pornography crime, he or she stands to lose a lot. For this reason, if you are confronting such allegations, you may want to retain a knowledgeable criminal lawyer. An attorney can help you protect your career.
Source: WTSP.com, "Bay area doctor charged with child porn," Isabel Mascarenas, April 12, 2012
]]>Specifically, the research found that these registries include people who are not actually living within the community. They include people that have died, are in jail or have moved out of the area. In fact, the study showed that out of 201,135 listed sex offenders, only 43 percent were actually living in the communities detailed by the registries.
]]> Florida had the most discrepancies in its sex offender database. It reported 56,784 sex offenders when only 22,877 were living in Florida communities.While registries may be helpful, they are only useful if they are accurate. If they are carelessly maintained, they have little worth. Furthermore, they imprecisely assess the level of crime or dangers in a community, which many people rely on.
The implications of sex offender registration can be one of the most frightening penalties you can face as a sex offender in Florida. With this new information, it is alarming to know that these systems are not even accurate. Maybe it is time for the legislature and safety agencies to reevaluate this type of crime prevention system. After all, it is not that helpful to the community.
If you are facing an accusation for a sex crime, you may want to ensure that you have adequate legal representation. An attorney may help you keep your name off of this erroneous list.
Source: Newswise, "Sex-Offender registries list individuals not living in community," April 2, 2012
]]>The man was found guilty of rape, which stemmed from an incident in 2009. Specifically, he was convicted of trespassing and sexual battery. The incident involved a previous ex-girlfriend. While Florida law mandates a minimum nine-year prison sentence for this type of crime, if this man completes the conditions of his probation, the felony conviction will disappear.
]]> The judge in this case specifically mentioned the man's service in Iraq and ongoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder as reasons for giving him probation.The individual's attorney made a statement about the sentencing decision: "I believe Judge Eaton had more than enough to justify the downward departure."
When a case is brought to the criminal justice system, there are a number of ways it can play out. If you have been convicted of a crime, you should strategize each and every step of your case. In this process, you may need to consider factors such as constitutional matters, evidence, plea agreements and sentencing decisions. All of these topics can transform a criminal case.
Remember, you are innocent of a crime until proven guilty. Furthermore, as this case reminds us, if you are ultimately convicted, you still have options to consider in the sentencing phase.
Source: WESH Orlando, "Judge releases man convicted in rape," April 4, 2012
]]>The 66-year-old man was targeted after agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement traced illegal images to the man's computer.
]]> According to reports, the investigators searched the suspect's home, which is located on Tall Timber Drive. The agents found several computers and other electronic devices, which contained various images of child pornography.As a result, the man was booked in the Orange County Jail on charges of possession of child pornography.
There are serious consequences for a child pornography conviction. The simple possession of child pornography is punishable by up to five years in prison. Furthermore, even if one is granted probation, he or she could still be subject to sex offender registration and other consequences.
If the Orlando man is found guilty, he stands to lose a lot. Nevertheless, he will have viable defenses in the court of law. For example, if someone else used his computer or the images were computer-generated, the man may not be convicted of the crime.
If you are confronting charges like this individual, it is imperative that you know what to expect. If you have questions, you can always contact a qualified criminal lawyer. An attorney can fill you in on your applicable rights and obligations. Do not let a child pornography allegation affect the rest of your life.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Orlando man arrested on child porn charges," Amy Pavuk, March 23, 2012
]]>Last week, a Florida man was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition. This offense is when a person exposes his or her genitals in a vulgar manner or engages in any other sexual act that does not involve contact with the victim who is under the age of 16.
]]> According to reports, a maintenance supervisor at a mobile home park told deputies that he had received reports from residents that children had witnessed a man performing a sexual act. The supervisor claims that he subsequently viewed the suspect engaging in the sexual conduct.Ultimately, the man was arrested and taken to a local county jail.
If the man in this story is convicted of this crime, he will inevitably face many serious consequences. Penalties for lewd and lascivious crimes depend on the age of the victims and the age of the accused. If the victim is under 12 years of age and the suspect is over 18, he or she could be sentenced to prison for life. Furthermore, all sex crimes against children are subject to sex offender registration.
There is nothing more frightening than being accused of lewd and lascivious behavior. This is especially true when an allegation involves children. For this reason, if you are facing such accusations, it is imperative that you retain adequate legal representation. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you through the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Source: Ocala StarBanner, "Sex offender charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition," Austin L. Miller, March 15, 2012
]]>The foreman of the jury that acquitted Perrish Cox, former Denver Broncos cornerback, is speaking about the jury decision. The foreman explains that the jurors struggled with their verdict; nevertheless, evidence was not sufficient to convict the football player.
]]> According to reports, a woman went out drinking at a Denver night club back in September. Evidence shows that the woman went to the football player's apartment after her night out. The woman does not remember much from that night. Nevertheless, weeks after the incident, she learned that she was pregnant.
While the jurors established that Cox was the father of the child, there was not enough evidence presented to establish that Perish had forced sex with the woman. The foreman explains, "There was no way for us to evaluate whether she was awake, whether she was still passed out or what condition she was in, much less whether he knew what condition she was in."
Furthermore, the prosecution could not prove that Cox knew the victim was not in any condition to have sex. The jury in this case deliberated for hours before coming back with a not guilty verdict.
As one can see, evidence can play an important piece in a jury's final decision. Even though the criminal justice system is a complex arena, it is important to remember that as the accused, one is guaranteed legal protections in the court of law.
Source: 9News.com, "Perrish Cox jury foreman: 'A lot of us were frustrated,'" Mar. 6, 2012
]]>Since the 42-year-old was previously convicted of a sex crime - albeit in New Jersey - the man is registered as a sex offender and was supposed to register his email addresses with local law enforcement. The man did not inform the authorities of his email addresses, investigators said. However, the 42-year-old maintains his innocence, saying that his computer only contained adult content.
]]> The man says that "Passaic County of New Jersey has something to do with it." It seems that he was told his computer was cleared, but there has been a sudden change in that position. The investigation into this child pornography case is ongoing.Police believe that the 42-year-old did not victimize any children in his neighborhood, though further interviews will be done in the area to confirm their stance.
Investigators were able to find the 42-year-old after they tracked his IP address with the help of the Winter Springs Police Department.
These charges are very serious and considering this case involves multiple states, the investigation could be a bit complex. The 42-year-old maintains his innocence in this situation and until a thorough investigation is completed, we will not know the specifics of the case. In the state of Florida, being convicted of a sex crime usually results in lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Source: WESH, "Man Denies Child Porn Accusations," Mar. 2, 2012
]]>Obviously this isn't good news - sexually-based crimes have very serious consequences for both the victim and the accused person. Just the claims of a sex crime against someone can ruin their reputation, no matter the validity of the accusation. If they are convicted, not only can they be given lengthy prison sentences, in addition to having to go through sex offender registration, but under the Jimmy Ryce Act, the government could force you into mandated civil commitment until they deem you are ready for release.
]]> However, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children doesn't think the Florida statistics are bad news either. "In our judgment it reflects the fact that Florida law enforcement has been aggressive and proactive. Florida officials have made these kinds of crimes a priority," said the CEO of the organization.One agency in Florida has really emphasized sexually-based crimes. The Polk County Sherriff's Office made 306 arrests in 2011 for sexual crimes related to children, including seven undercover investigations in an effort to curb these crimes.
With this sharp increase in registered sex offenders, it is important to remember the process that leads up to a convicted person's consequences. No matter the crime, an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. Even though sexually-based crimes draw intense emotions from those looking from the outside in, the accused has the right to an unbiased trial and a fair investigation.
Source: Orlando Sun Sentinel, "Sex-offender spike: Florida sees 74 percent hike in five years," Gary Taylor, Feb. 7, 2012
]]>As part of his three-year probation, the man cannot have unsupervised contact with a minor. That seems to have prompted some confusion during the preacher's appeal. Since he restarted his Sunday sermons, his church has routinely seen 150 people attend his services.
]]> It is possible that the man and his attorney believed that the supervision provided by that many people in a large church would align with the conditions of the preacher's probation. The church supported their preacher in his appeal.A licensed therapist must decide when a sex offender can have supervised contact with a minor. They can set conditions that must be met before determining if the registered person is set for such supervised contact. This is important in this case because the sex offender therapy program is a condition of the man's ability to have supervised contact with minors.
Protestors have been at the church, objecting to the man's presence. This is just one example of the serious consequences that can arise from a sexually-based crime, even after the conviction and serving prison time. There are personal, professional and intangible consequences that come with the accusation of a sex crime.
However, the preacher remains upbeat in the face of these challenges. "Somehow I will prove that life isn't over when one has committed a crime for which he receives this heinous label," he said, adding that sex offenders should not have to "languish on the fringes of society."
Source: Florida Times-Union, "Duval court hearing: No kids for now in church where sex offender preaches," Jeff Brumley, Feb. 10, 2012
]]>That is one of the most important things to remember about this case - the 40 Florida residents arrested in this sting are only suspects at this point. They have not been convicted of a crime, and have a right to a fair and unbiased trial. Until the accusations against them are proved to be true, the people arrested are innocent until proven guilty.
]]> Sexually-charged crimes - especially those that are alleged to have occurred online - are very serious offenses and they should be dealt with accordingly. A criminal defense lawyer can review a case like this and check the legal powers of law enforcement, assuring they conducted a just investigation and that they followed protocol.An experienced lawyer can support you in your effort to have your rights upheld and potentially have your case dismissed should it be found that investigators obstructed any legal boundaries before, during and after their sting.
One of the most prominent people affiliated with the case is a Senior PGA Tour golfer who played in 44 tour events.
Source: Huffington Post, "Florida Sex Sting: Pro Golfer Steve Thomas Among 40 Suspects Arrested," Jan. 18, 2012
]]>The woman claims that her ex-boyfriend was at her door just before she was leaving for work last Friday. He was asking to see her child, which she refused. The woman then claims the man forced his way into her home before the two sat down at a table. The two talked, and soon thereafter the 22-year-old man went to the woman's bedroom.
]]> The woman says she looked for him in the room but she was unable to find him. Then, a police report states, the 22-year-old walked behind her and committed the sexual assault.A rape charge carries serious penalties, and if the accused is found guilty, a lengthy jail sentence could be applied. The penalties associated with the charge depend on a variety of circumstances, but in any case the prosecution will seek the maximum allowable. That is why bringing in a criminal defense attorney with experience in cases of sexual assault is an important decision. A reputable and determined lawyer can protect your civil liberties during your case and help you fight the charges against you.
Another thing to consider in cases like this is that the story is based on criminal reports, which only show one side of the story - the victim's. This point only illustrates the seriousness of a sexual assault charge. The perception of such a charge can ruin your reputation and open you up to public scrutiny, so talk things through with a legal representative to defend your side of the story.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Orlando man forced his way into ex-girlfriend's home, raped her, police say," Jeff Weiner, Feb. 4, 2012
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