Crimes against children are very serious offenses, especially those relating to sexual abuse. If you or someone you know is being accused of indecency with a child, you most certainly need to hire sex crime defense lawyers to represent you. Whether you understand what you’re being charged with is or not, it is important to stay calm and not talk to anyone but your attorney about your case.
Definition
Many people are unfamiliar with indecency with a child or lewd and lascivious conduct and exactly what these terms actually mean. According to Florida law, indecency with a child involves indecent exposure and someone under the age of 16. In the state of Florida, it is unlawful to “indecently expose in front of children, or to engage in sexual contact with children, or make children have sexual contact.” Indecent exposure occurs when an adult exposes their sexual organs or anus to a child or/and causes a child to expose their genitals or anus. It can be online or in person. This does not include a mother breastfeeding a child, urinating in public, wardrobe malfunctions, and the like. There has to be unlawful intent involved. The motive behind the crime has to be lewd or lascivious.
Conviction
In order to be convicted, the plaintiff will have to establish unlawful intent, the act of exposure and the location where the crime occurred. Depending on the state you are in, a child’s accusation could be enough to get a conviction. In some states indecency with a child is a two factor thing, exposure and conduct. Exposure doesn’t have to involve physical touching, however, conduct does. Typically, indecency charges will come with other charges as well. Additional charges may alter the severity of the penalties raised against you. Remember, the state has to prove that there was vulgar intent on the part of the defendant.
Penalties
Because indecency with a child is taken very seriously, and often comes with additional charges, there are several penalties that can be levied against you if you are convicted of a sex crime against a child. Here are some of the possible outcomes:
- Jail time up to 15 years.
- Court ordered therapy/counseling sessions.
- Registering as a sex offender.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Permanent felony record.
- Limited employment opportunities.
- Limited housing opportunities.
For defendants who are under the age of 18 being accused of indecency with a child or indecent exposure, the penalties may be different given the context.
Being accused of and charged with indecency with a child or any other sex offense is a serious matter and needs to be treated as such. You don’t want to leave anything up to chance or hope that your testimony will be enough to get you out of hot water. You need to be legally represented and advised in order to have the best chance. There are lots of procedures and legal hurdles that will need to be attended to. And you don’t have to go it alone.