Sex crimes carry the double stigma of involving sex and, at least ostensibly, violence. In Florida, the charge of sexual battery is charged for any kind of sexual assault, including but not limited to rape involving intercourse. It is always a felony, with penalties ranging from 15 years in prison to the death penalty. Sexual battery can be charged for any sexual act committed without the victim's consent, or against a victim who is physically helpless or incapacitated; coerced by threats of violence or retaliation; age 12 or younger; or mentally defective. The sentence is increased for acts that injure the victim, use actual force or use a deadly weapon. Those who abuse their authority as law enforcement officers, parents or caregivers to commit sexual battery also face higher sentences.

Sex crimes against children are some of the most serious and harshly punished crimes under Florida law. Accusations of child molestation are also among the charges most likely to instantly change your life, causing co-workers, friends and even spouses to turn against the accused. A conviction carries years or decades in prison, possible professional or immigration consequences and a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender. If you even suspect that you will be charged with a sex-related crime against a child, don't wait to call Balliro.

Balliro represents people accused of all Florida sex crimes, including:

• Sexual battery/rape
• Statutory rape/Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
• Lewd and lascivious offenses on a minor
• Sexual performance by a child
• Possession of child pornography
• Online solicitation of a minor
• Prostitution

Frequently, law enforcement will not even consider the possibility that someone accused of a sex crime might be innocent. Our South Florida sex crimes defense lawyers prefer to take these cases as early as possible, to minimize the profound effect they can have on the life of the accused. Before charges are filed, we can build your case to convince prosecutors that charges shouldn't be filed at all, or lesser charges should be filed. If an arrest is inevitable, we can arrange for clients to go to the police voluntarily rather than risk an embarrassing public scene. And the sooner we take a case, the sooner our West Palm Beach sex crimes criminal defense attorneys can start building a strong defense that holds prosecutors to their legal obligation to prove cases beyond a reasonable doubt.

Based in Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Balliro  represents people throughout South Florida who are accused of serious crimes. Our Miami-Dade child sex crimes defense lawyers have years of experience, during which time we've successfully represented numerous defendants and taken literally hundreds of cases to trial. Unlike some Miami-Dade criminal defense lawyers, we will automatically start negotiations for a plea bargain; we will allow our clients to plead guilty only if we believe that's truly the right thing to do. And because we know clients and potential clients can encounter legal trouble anytime, not just from 9 to 5, we make sure we're available at all times -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year.

If you or a loved one is accused of a sex crime or child sexual abuse, you should contact Balliro today for a free, confidential consultation. You can reach us through the Internet or call us toll-free at 1-866-ARRESTED.