Key Takeaway: Under Florida Statute §794.05, it is a second-degree felony for a person aged 24 or older to engage in sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old — even if the minor consented or initiated the activity. The charge carries up to 15 years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences. However,…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Sexual battery in Florida covers any non-consensual oral, anal, or genital penetration. Specifically, the penalties range from a first-degree felony (up to life in prison) to a capital felony (death or life without parole) when the victim is under 12. Because these charges carry mandatory sex offender registration and potential life sentences, the…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Florida requires anyone convicted of a qualifying sex offense to register as a sexual offender under §943.0435. Registration is lifelong, and the requirements are strict — you must report your address, employment, vehicles, email addresses, and internet accounts. Failure to register or update your information is a third-degree felony. However, incorrect designations can…
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Adult pornography remains legal in Florida—but new verification requirements, VPN gray areas, and serious criminal penalties for violations create real legal risk ✓ THE SHORT ANSWER Yes, viewing adult pornography is legal in Florida if you are 18 or older. However, Florida’s 2024 age verification law (HB 3 / Florida Statute § 501.1737) now requires…
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Understanding the legal age, close-in-age exceptions, and the serious criminal consequences of getting it wrong ✓ THE SHORT ANSWER The age of consent in Florida is 18 years old—one of the highest in the United States. However, Florida law includes a close-in-age exception that permits consensual sexual activity between a 16 or 17-year-old and a…
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Updated 2-14-26 Understanding Florida’s prostitution laws, the escorting distinction, sting operations, penalties, and defenses ✓ THE SHORT ANSWER No. Prostitution is illegal in Florida. Under Florida Statute § 796.07, it is a crime to engage in prostitution, solicit prostitution, or offer to engage in prostitution. This applies to both buyers and sellers—and penalties escalate significantly…
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How a Forensic Pathologist Challenged the Timing and Cause of Genital Injuries In sexual battery cases, prosecutors often present medical evidence as if it proves the crime occurred. A nurse examines the alleged victim, documents injuries, and concludes they are “consistent with forced sexual trauma.” But “consistent with” is not the same as “caused by.”…
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How a Forensic Psychologist Exposed a Coerced Confession from a Mentally Ill Child A confession is supposed to be the most powerful evidence the state can present. When a defendant admits to the crime, most jurors assume the case is closed. But not all confessions are what they appear to be. Some are coerced. Some…
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How the Right Expert Exposed Fatal Flaws in the State’s Theory When prosecutors charge someone with murder based on medical evidence, they rely on state experts—medical examiners, Child Protection Team doctors, and forensic analysts. These experts shape the entire case. And when they get it wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic. In this case, my…
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What an Honest Criminal Defense Attorney Will Tell You About Experts and Costs When someone faces serious criminal charges—murder, sexual battery, aggravated child abuse—the difference between conviction and acquittal often comes down to one thing: expert witnesses. Expert witnesses are a crucial part of criminal defense cases in Tampa, Florida. Not legal arguments. Not courtroom…
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