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Rape & Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Orlando, Florida (FL)

Aggressive Robbery Charge Representation When Arrested, Charged With a Sexual Assault or Rape in Orange County, Florida.

As anyone who has watched a crime drama on television, or taken a high school civics class knows, individuals are given a presumption of innocence within the criminal justice system.  Despite this legal premise, those wrongfully accused of a sex offense learn that a mere allegation can elicit negative stereotypes, unwarranted suspicion, and severe damage to an accused’s personal or professional reputation.  While sexual assault is justifiably considered a serious crime by law enforcement and prosecutors, false allegations of sex crimes all too often are used as a sword rather than a shield.

A sexual assault conviction often has consequences that last long after any period of incarceration and fulfillment of the terms of probation.  Florida sexual assault attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary recognizes that sex offender registration means that a sex crime conviction can have a life-long impact. The requirement that a sex offender register makes the individual’s identity, offense, and address available to the public with a simple search on the internet.  Discovery that a person is a registered sex offender can result in disqualification from certain jobs (e.g. jobs with kids), denial of a rental application, restrictions on where one can live, and other negative ramifications.

Understanding Sexual Assault in Florida

Under Florida law, sexual assault refers to several types of conduct.  The offense is defined as “oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or with the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any object.” Generally, sexual assaults in Florida involve one person allegedly forcing another to participate in a sexual act. Rape constitutes the most frequent form of sexual assault in Florida.  Individuals commit the offense of rape when they engage in sexual intercourse with an individual who clearly indicates he or she is unwilling to consent. Consent also is ineffective when the alleged victim is under the age of sixteen, unconscious, inebriated, drugged, or mentally incapacitated.

Sexual assault constitutes a felony even when the act is not completed.  The prosecutor can obtain a conviction based solely on the accused having the intent to commit the crime.  The penalty imposed for a sexual assault conviction in Florida will depend on the circumstances and the age of the parties.  Even the least severely punished form of sexual assault will be a 2^nd-degree felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.  A conviction of the most harshly punished form of sexual assault can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

False Allegations of Sexual Assault

While sexual assault is a serious criminal offense, falsified allegations of such an offense occur in many contexts.  A spouse in a divorce might fabricate a sexual assault claim to gain a strategic advantage in a child custody dispute or a more favorable distribution of marital assets.  Alternatively, a parent in a child custody dispute might coach a minor child to assert such a claim.  Cases have even been discovered where an overly suggestive therapist has prompted a child to report a sexual assault that did not occur.  If you are accused of sexual battery (rape), you should not discuss your case with anyone.  You also should seek immediate legal advice from an experienced Florida sexual assault defense attorney who can protect you from suggestive lineups, investigate the relevant facts, and explore inaccurate or fabricated statements from witnesses.

Contact the Law Offices of Beryl Thompson-McClary P.A. Today

At the Law Offices of Beryl Thompson-McClary, our criminal defense attorneys recognize the enormous stakes when our client is accused of committing a sexual assault.  Given the potential consequences, you can take comfort in having an attorney who has handled over 350 trials in your corner.  We have law offices in Orlando and practice in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard,and Volusia counties.  To schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney, you can call our office at 1-888-640-2999.

Special Issues Involving Celebrities Accused of Crimes

Beryl Thompson-McClary, Esq. has developed a reputation for tenacious but discrete representation of high-profile individuals accused of crimes, such as celebrities, professional athletes, CEOs, professionals, and entertainers, and others.  She is sensitive to the reality that lingering accusation and negative publicity can destroy reputations, earning potential, and even careers.  We have law offices in Orlando and practice in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia counties.  To schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney, you can call our office at 1-888-640-2999.

Contact Us Today to Protect Your Future

When you are under the specter of sexual assault charges, you liberty, reputation, and future are placed in peril.  At the Law Offices of Beryl Thompson-McClary, P.A., our attorneys are committed to tenaciously taking on the government while protecting the rights of our clients.  If your future is threatened by pending felony charges, exemplary legal representation is essential.  You should refuse to talk to the police and assertyour right to have an attorney present. We have law offices in Orlando and practice in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia counties.  To schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney, you can call our office at 1-888-640-2999.

Beryl Thompson-McClary

390 N. Orange Ave., Suite #2300
Orlando, Florida 32801

Tel: 1-888-640-2999
Open: 8 AM to 5 PM or by appointment

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