In Florida, the crime of Unlawful Sexual Activity with Minors makes it illegal for a person 24 or older to have consensual sex with a 16 or 17 year old.

If the victim claimed to be older than 18 and if she looked older than 18, that does not matter. That is not a valid defense for the crime of unlawful sexual activity with minors.

It can be legal for a person 18 to 23 to have consensual sex with a person 16 or 17 years old, but if the victim claims that it was not consensual, it is considered unlawful sexual activity with minors. If the victim is under the age of 16, they are considered unable to decide for themselves and it is automatically considered a crime.

Potential consequences include jail or prison time, fines, probation, mandatory registration as a sex offender, civil penalties, the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, living or workplace limitations, and social stigmatization. These can be life altering consequences from which a person may not be able to recover.

A person listed as a sexual predator is going to have a difficult time finding a job, finding a place to live, socializing and fitting into society in general.

If you or a loved one have been accused of such a crime, it is imperative that you have a consultation with Alex Truluck.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.