Panama City Beach Child Molestation Attorney

If convicted of this child molestation, you could face serious penalties, including prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. Even if you have not been formally charged, you may still be under investigation for alleged sexual abuse. It is crucial that you retain legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are afforded all of the legal protections available to you under Florida law.

At Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law, our Panama City Beach child molestation lawyer knows that there are two sides to every story and will work to ensure that the other side is heard.

Call Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law, today at (850) 250-3426 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our child molestation lawyer in Panama City Beach.

What is Child Molestation?

Child molestation is a severe criminal offense that involves engaging in inappropriate sexual activities with a minor. In Florida, this crime is covered under various statutes, such as sexual battery, lewd and lascivious offenses, and more. Child molestation can encompass a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:

• Sexual Battery: This involves non-consensual sexual penetration or touching of a minor. It is considered a grave crime and carries severe penalties.
• Lewd and Lascivious Offenses: These offenses involve indecent or lewd acts with a child under the age of 16. It can range from indecent exposure to more explicit actions.
• Child Exploitation: The possession, distribution, or creation of explicit images or videos of minors is a serious offense, often linked to child molestation cases.
• Child Grooming: This involves actions taken to build a connection with a child with the intent of engaging in sexual activity later. It may not necessarily involve immediate physical contact.
• Aggravated Child Molestation: In cases where violence or the threat of violence is used, the charges can be escalated to aggravated child molestation, which comes with even more severe penalties.

What are the Penalties for Child Molestation in Florida?

Child molestation is treated with utmost seriousness in Florida, and the penalties for those convicted can be life-altering. The specific consequences will be dependent on the circumstances of the case, the age of the victim, and the defendant's prior criminal history. Common penalties include:

• Imprisonment: Depending on the severity of the offense, a child molestation conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, often without the possibility of parole.
• Probation: In some cases, a defendant may be subject to probation, which could involve strict supervision and mandatory counseling.
• Sex Offender Registration: Those convicted of child molestation are generally required to register as sex offenders, which can affect where they live, work, and their overall quality of life.
• Criminal Record: A conviction for child molestation can leave a stain on your criminal record, making it challenging to secure employment, housing, or maintain personal relationships.
• Loss of Civil Rights: Convicted individuals may lose certain civil rights, which include the right to possess firearms and the right to vote.

Defenses Against Child Molestation Charges

Some common defenses against child molestation charges may include:

• False Accusations: Child molestation cases often hinge on the credibility of the accuser and the accused. It is possible for false accusations to arise due to misunderstandings, coercion, or manipulation.
• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must be able to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence, it can be grounds for acquittal.
• Consent: In some cases, it may be argued that the minor gave consent to the activity. However, it is important to note that minors are not legally capable of providing consent in many situations.
• Alibi: If you can establish that you were not present at the alleged time or location of the offense, it can be a strong defense.
• Mistaken Identity: Mistaken identity can sometimes play a role in child molestation cases, especially if the defendant is not well-known to the accuser.

Contact Our Child Molestation Lawyer in Panama City Beach Today

Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law, is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation in these cases. Our Panama City Beach child molestation attorney has a deep understanding of the nuances of these cases and will work tirelessly to craft a strong defense on your behalf. Your future is at stake, and we are here to help you through this challenging time.

Contact Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law today to get started with our Panama City Beach child molestation attorney.