Lewd & Lascivious Battery

Miami Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you been accused of improper sexual acts with a minor? Lewd and lascivious battery is one of the most serious crimes of this nature for which a person may face criminal charges. Miami sex crimes lawyer Michael Mirer can offer you a consultation to discuss your particular case and charges. You are entitled to legal counsel in these cases, and it is of the utmost importance that you exercise this right if you are to have the opportunity of avoiding a conviction for this felony sex crime.

What is Lewd and Lascivious Battery?

According to Florida law, lewd and lascivious battery is defined as a person who:

"(a) Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or

"(b) Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity"

Ignorance of the victim's age or belief that the victim was of the age of consent is not a valid defense to this offense, even if the victim misrepresented his or her age in some way.

Penalties in Miami, Florida

The penalties for lewd and lascivious battery may vary depending on the particular case. However, the act of committing this crime is a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000, as well as mandatory sex offender registration for life. Additionally, a defendant accused or convicted of this offense may face a ruined reputation and limited opportunities in the future in regard to employment, education, loans, and housing.

You can fight your lewd and lascivious battery charges and can avoid a conviction with an aggressive criminal lawyer at your side. Contact Miami criminal defense attorney Michael Mirer today for a free case evaluation regarding your charges.