Sex offenses carry a stigma more socially significant than perhaps any other type of criminal offense. In many cases, the consequences of a sex offense conviction far exceed those imposed by the court and may have far-reaching professional and personal effects. In fact, even mere allegations of a sex offense can have an impact on a person’s life. As a result, anyone accused of a sex crime should retain a Boca Raton criminal defense attorney as soon as they can.
Jared Fogle, a well-known former spokesman for sandwich chain Subway, is currently finding out firsthand just how serious allegations of sexual misconduct can be. While he has not yet been officially accused of any criminal misconduct, an affidavit that was subpoenaed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicates that Fogle sent text messages stating he paid a 16-year-old girl $100 for sex, according to a report published in Business Insider. The news regarding the text messages comes just weeks after an informant allegedly provided the FBI with evidence regarding conversations with Fogle that lead to a raid of his home for child pornography. News of the allegations spread quickly via nationwide media and the possible accusations have become the subject of gossip and news sites alike.
Sex Offenses can Result in Significant Legal and Collateral Consequences
When people are accused of sex offenses, the legal consequences they are facing are usually extremely serious. In addition to fines, counseling, probation, and even jail time, people convicted of certain sex offenses may be required to register as a sex offender with the state for the rest of their lives. When a person registers as a sex offender, their name, picture, and information about their offense is included in a publicly searchable database that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. As a result, friends, family, potential employers, and potential romantic partners can easily find out information about a past sex offense.
An attorney can often help
Fortunately for people accused of sex offenses and other serious crimes, there are often many ways that an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. In addition to ensuring that your rights are protected during any investigation that may occur, an attorney can also often help control the public message in high-profile cases that receive a significant amount of media attention. This can be extremely important for individuals in positions of public trust or regulated professions, as employers may simply feel that it is better to cut ties with individuals even before the conclusion of an investigation in order to avoid negative publicity.
Contact a Boca Raton criminal defense attorney today to retain qualified legal representation
Anyone accused of a criminal offense in Florida should retain an attorney whether they are accused of a traffic-related infraction or a serious violent crime. The long-term consequences of a criminal conviction can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, particularly when if it related to sexual misconduct. The attorneys of Lavalle Brown & Ronan are committed to helping protect the legal rights of people accused of crimes. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Boca Raton criminal defense lawyers, please call our office 561-440-7944. Prospective clients can also send us an email through our online contact form.
