No one wants to be convicted of a sex crime. Florida, like any state, has severe penalties for sex crime convictions, including prison time, fines and sex offender registration requirements. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Florida, I will do everything I can to help you minimize the damage to your life.
I am R. Lane Lastinger, St. Petersburg sex crimes defense attorney. With more than 10 years building my criminal defense law practice, I know how the criminal justice system works and I know how to help you get the best result possible in your case. Call The Law Office of R. Lane Lastinger, P.A. for a free consultation.
Changing Juvenile Sex Crime Laws in Florida ∙ Romeo and Juliet Law
Back when a lot of this sex crime legislation was written, the general thinking about sex was more restrictive than it is now. It was considered criminal for people under a certain age to have sex. These views are changing throughout society, and the law is beginning to reflect those changes.
For many young people, the old approach of criminalizing sex is not appropriate. The Romeo and Juliet law in Florida is an attempt by the legislature to create more of a grey area in the law that will soften the consequences. When two young people who are close in age engage in consensual sexual activity, though it is still technically a sex crime, the Romeo and Juliet law allows the state more leeway in sentencing.
For many juvenile sex crimes, I can work with the state and the court to help get the charges reduced for my clients, depending on the situation.
Focused, Experienced Criminal Defense
When you work with The Law Office of R. Lane Lastinger, P.A., you get an attorney who is focused and experienced. I made a decision in my legal practice to focus only on criminal defense, allowing me to stay current with the changing laws and procedures. I also only practice in Pinellas County, which means that I am very familiar with all of the courts in this area.
I have been defending clients from sexual crime charges for more than 10 years in Pinellas County.
I know there is a certain stigma for people accused of sex crimes. I will not judge you. I know that people are generally good, even if they have made some serious mistakes.
Contact a Clearwater, Florida, Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer ∙ Free Consultations
If you are facing sex crimes charges, I will work with you, with the prosecuting attorney and the courts to help get the best outcome possible for you and your family. Either call my St. Petersburg office or contact me online for a free initial consultation.
