Florida has strict laws about consent in sexual relationships. Being charged with breaking those consent laws can put someone on the sexual offender registry, which can have lifelong impacts. However, Florida’s “Romeo and Juliet” law covers special circumstances if both parties are close enough in age. But who does the Romeo and Juliet law apply to? And how does it reduce legal consequences for those involved? From the experts at Mike G law, here’s what you need to know about Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law. Understanding the Age of Consent in Florida In Florida, the age of consent is 18. It is illegal for anyone to engage in sexual activity with a minor, who is defined as anyone under the... Read More »
Most states have laws to ward off citizens from hiring prostitutes, a profession which is illegal in all 50 states. Basically, by punishing the Johns that solicit sexual services, the state aims to somehow curb that industry (whether that’s working is another story). Regardless of whether you think escort services should be legal or not, understanding solicitation laws in Florida can help keep you out of jail. In this article, we’ll cover the actual meaning of solicitation in Florida, what it entails and what can happen if you’re charged with solicitation. For the most up-to-date legal advice, however, you should contact Mike G Law. What is Considered Solicitation in Florida? In the state of Florida, solicitation is fairly clear and... Read More »
Being charged with rape can ruin your life. Even if you’re found not guilty, people may treat you differently. Case in point: Kobe Bryant. Talk of his untimely death in a helicopter accident inevitably led to a rehashing of rape charges stemming from a 2003 allegation. The case was dropped because the alleged victim refused to testify. He was never tried for sexual assault (though he did settle a civil lawsuit with the alleged victim), however, he was quickly labeled a rapist. Even after his death, there are plenty of articles about the alleged crime despite the case being dropped. And that’s a man with millions in the bank. How can a regular Joe fight rape charges? Rape, or sexual... Read More »
Florida sex crimes are covered under multiple statutes and under different names than what we may expect. While most people understand what sexual assault or statutory rape is, what is meant by lewd and lascivious behavior is a bit unclear because of its name. Here’s what you need to know about lewd and lascivious behavior and the crimes that fall under it. What is Lewd and Lascivious Behavior? Lewd and lascivious behavior, at its most basic, is inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature where the victim is someone under 16 years old. Florida Statute 800.04 divides lewd and lascivious behavior into four categories: Lewd and Lascivious Battery (sexual activity with a child under 16 or forcing a child under 16... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Sex Crimes on Thursday, December 26, 2019
Certain convictions have long-reaching effects. Even after you’ve paid your debt to society and served your time, if you are charged with particular sexual offenses, you may be forced to register as a sex offender or sex predator for the rest of your life. This could make it more difficult to secure meaningful employment, get a degree, borrow money, buy a home, and more. Basically, it can make your life much, much harder. In this article, we’re going to cover the sexual crimes that require life-long registry with the state of Florida. To start, though, it’s important to note that if you’re under investigation for a sex crime or are charged with a sex crime, it’s crucial that you get... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Sex Crimes on Thursday, October 10, 2019
With #metoo remaining a force in the workplace, many individuals have begun to wonder whether sexual harassment itself is a crime. Can you go to jail for sexual harassment? When thinking about it in this context, it’s important to first define what sexual harassment is. Is paying a compliment to a member of the opposite sex sexual harassment? What about giving a hug to a coworker? In most cases, and this is quite unfortunate, what is considered to be sexual harassment depends on the context. What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in Florida? At its most basic, sexual harassment is all about behaviors that are “unwanted.” This includes unwanted touching and comments. Often, sexual harassment is seen as something that men do... Read More »
In January, 9 students were charged with hazing which resulted in the death of Andrew Coffey, a junior at FSU who was pledging Pi Kappa Phi. Five of the students chose to plead guilty to a misdemeanor in order to avoid up to five years in prison if convicted on felony hazing charges. The other four individuals charged are awaiting trial. Their cases are currently on hold. The tragedy of the young loss of life is clear — and yet, it’s also tragic to see 9 other young men have their futures possibly ruined because of poor choices made in an environment full of peer pressure. Campus Crimes: Disciplinary Hearings College can be a time of exploration. For many young... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Sex Crimes, Sex Offenses on Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Some defendants are initially shocked when charged with unlawful sexual contact with a minor, or statutory rape as it is commonly called. They may be surprised because they believed their partner was older or because their partner gave their consent. However, the law is clear on what defines statutory rape in Florida and who can and cannot consent to sexual activity. If you are trying to make sense of your statutory rape charge in Florida, hiring a skilled defense attorney is key. A statutory rape conviction can have lifelong consequences and it’s important that you receive the best legal counsel so you can put forward the best defense for your case. The following are some frequently asked questions regarding what... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Sex Crimes on Monday, February 22, 2016
What is the difference between a sexual offender and a sexual predator? Who is a sexual offender under Florida Law? A sexual offender is an individual who has been convicted of a qualifying sexual offense in Florida or another jurisdiction; has been released from or is currently serving parole, probation, or on or after October 1, 1997. They establish or maintain a residence (permanent, temporary, or transient) in Florida and have a requirement to register or would have a requirement to register as a sexual offender in another jurisdiction; Qualifying Offenses are: False imprisonment (F.S. 787.02), where the victim is a minor and the defendant is not the victim’s parent or guardian. Sexual misconduct prohibited (F.S. 393.135(2)) or (F.S. 394.4593(2)).... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Sex Crimes on Monday, February 8, 2016
Are you being investigated for a sex crime? Should you talk to the police if a minor lied to you about their age and you had sexual contact with them? A common scenario lawyers see all the time: Boy meets underage girl but unbeknownst to him, the girl is underage. He is 24 years old. He meets a girl online who claims to be 19. They chat, exchange pictures, they talk about music and what their shared interests are. They go to the mall, they go to the movies and they go out to eat. They often meet at her house when no one is home. One thing leads to another and they have sex. They continue this for a... Read More »
