Orlando Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

What Are Common Federal Sex Crimes?

In the United States, criminal offenses may be governed by state law, federal law, or both. For the federal government to investigate and prosecute a crime, however, it must be legally entitled to assert jurisdiction over the offense. When a sex crime falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, it is typically because one (or more) of the following conditions applies:

• The offense occurred on federal property, such as in a federal prison.
• The defendant crossed state lines during the commission of the crime.
• The criminal conduct crossed state lines.

Any sex crime could be prosecuted by the federal government if any of the jurisdictional conditions precedent apply; however, some of the most common federal sex crimes include:

• Sexual assault and rape
• Child sexual assault and rape
• Aggravated sexual abuse
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Production of child pornography
• Possession of child pornography
• Distribution of child pornography
• The purchase or sale of a child for sexual purposes
• Human sex trafficking
• Child sex trafficking
• Illegal sex tourism
• Soliciting a minor for prostitution
• Failing to report to the federal sex offender registry.

What Are the Potential Penalties for a Federal Sex Crime Conviction?

If convicted of a federal sex crime, the potential penalties you face can vary significantly given the wide range of criminal offenses that fall under the umbrella of “sex crimes.” Most federal sex crimes, however, carry the potential for a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, with some carrying mandatory minimum sentences. Consider the following figures, published by the USCC, related to sentencing in federal sex crime convictions in 2021:

• 99.5% of sexual abuse offenders were sentenced to prison
• The average sentence for a sex crime offender was 211 months.
• Convictions for the production of child pornography accounted for almost half (49.2%) of all sentencings.
• The average sentence for offenders convicted of the production of child pornography was 277 months.
• 85.7% of convictions related to the production of child pornography carried a mandatory minimum sentence.
• The average sentence for offenders convicted of criminal sexual abuse (rape) was 190 months.

Will I Have to Register As a Sex Offender If I Am Convicted of a Federal Sex Crime?

In addition to any prison sentence you receive if convicted of a federal sex crime, you may be required to register as a sex offender. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) established national standards for sex offender registration and notification in the U.S. Individuals who have been convicted of a qualifying sex offense are required to register as a sex offender with the federal government. A convicted sex offender who lives in the State of Florida may also be required to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The length of time a convicted sex offender is required to remain registered with state or federal authorities depends on the criminal offense involved; however, some offenders must remain registered for life. Moreover, failing to register is a separate and distinct criminal offense that carries up to 10 years in prison if convicted in federal court.

What Defenses Are Available in a Federal Sex Crime Case?

If you have been charged with a federal sex crime or have reason to believe you are being investigated for one, the time to get an experienced Orlando sex crimes attorney involved is now. The defense strategy used in your case will be uniquely tailored to the exact sex crime involved and the facts of the case; however, some commonly used defense strategies include:

• Challenging forensic evidence. From testing bodily fluids to hunting through cyber-space for evidence, prosecutors often rely on forensic evidence in a sex crime prosecution. Your defense attorney may challenge the accuracy or validity of that evidence.
• Failing to prove all elements of the offense. For example, sometimes the prosecution cannot prove a lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Questioning the credibility and reliability of witnesses. In any criminal prosecution, the reliability and credibility of all witnesses, including an accuser, may be challenged.

Get Help from an Experienced Orlando Federal Sex Crimes Lawyer

The potential consequences of a sex crime prosecution and conviction are serious. If you have been accused of committing a federal sex crime, retaining the services of an experienced federal sex crimes attorney early on is the key to protecting your rights and mounting a vigorous defense.

As a former federal prosecuting attorney himself, attorney David Haas understands what is at stake in a federal sex crimes prosecution. The team at Haas Law has the resources, experience, and commitment necessary to aggressively defend you when your freedom and your future are on the line.

Call us at 407-755-7675, chat with us online, or submit our online form today. Because we understand that time is of the essence when federal law enforcement authorities are investigating you, our calls are answered 24 hours a day, allowing you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.