Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Attorney In Tampa, FL
Lewd and lascivious conduct is a criminal offence in Florida that has different sections to the laws. Chapter 800 of the Florida Statutes set forth the Florida Law in this are; 800.02 Unnatural and lascivious acts; 800.03 Exposure of sexual organs; 800.04 leads to these acts and sexual behavior toward a person under 16; 800.09 acts in the presence of an employee; 800.101 offenses against students by authority figures; and 800.05 is additional punishments that can lead to forfeiture of retirement benefits for felony defined in the Florida Statute section 800.04 listed above. The crime does not require physical contact; merely an intent to arouse or offend is sufficient. This felony offense is taken seriously in Florida, and defendants often seek representation from a Tampa lewd and lascivious conduct lawyer to challenge the evidence or argue that no crime occurred at all.
Why Retain the Amarosa Law Firm?
Few crimes carry the stigma of sex crimes, especially those involving minors. The Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., represents clients facing accusations of sexual misconduct involving anyone including youth. We recognize that these cases can be legally complex and emotionally charged. As a highly respected law firm, we bring extensive experience and detail decades of combined experience to the benefit of our clients.
We also understand that good people can find themselves in difficult legal situations. Our defense attorneys are dedicated to challenging assumptions made by prosecutors and protecting your rights throughout the legal process. With experience as a former professor of criminal justice, crime scene evidence and DNA our lead attorney combines deep legal knowledge with a practical understanding of how Florida’s criminal system really works.
Understanding Lewd and Lascivious Conduct in Tampa
Florida’s lewd and lascivious conduct laws are designed to protect minors. In Tampa, approximately 21% of residents are under 18. Lewd and lascivious conduct is treated as a serious felony offense in Florida.
According to the most recent OPPAGA review, over 86,000 individuals are listed on Florida’s sex offender registry, though many no longer reside in the state. On July 16, 2025, a former gymnastics coach in nearby Lakeland was arrested for lewd battery involving a 15-year-old he coached.
Already a registered sex offender, he was also charged with violating probation and registration rules. In Tampa neighborhoods such as Seminole Heights, Hyde Park, and Sulphur Springs, these cases can result in charges that carry life-altering consequences.
How to Fight Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Charges
With the right defense strategy, you can take steps to reduce the chances that you face lewd and lascivious conduct penalties. Depending on the specifics of your case, your attorney can begin by examining whether the evidence supports the legal definition of the offense.
The element of intent is one area that the prosecution must prove. If there was a misunderstanding or false claim, your lawyer can challenge the credibility of the case. False accusations are not uncommon in Tampa’s criminal courts, but it often takes a strong and determined attorney to fight the prosecution’s weak case.
Other defenses could consider whether witness statements are reliable. If any evidence was unlawfully obtained, it may not be admissible in court. If there were communications between an adult and a minor, the context of those communications can also be closely scrutinized.
Why You Should Hire a Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Lawyer
If you are facing charges involving sexual misconduct with an individual and especially with someone under 16, your first step should be to hire a lewd and lascivious conduct lawyer. With help from an attorney who understands Tampa lewd and lascivious conduct laws, you can begin questioning the assumptions made by the prosecution.
A lewd and lascivious conduct attorney can review your case and the evidence before choosing the right legal strategy for securing a positive outcome in your case. This could include questioning whether a crime occurred or whether investigators misinterpreted the evidence they initially uncovered.
Whether your case resolves through negotiations with prosecutors, motions filed during pre-trial hearings, or trial, having legal support can greatly improve the chances that you secure a favorable outcome to your case.
AMAROSA LAW FIRM P.A. Finding Solutions For Tough Cases.
FAQs
A: Lewd or lascivious conduct involves behavior directed toward a person and has special subsections for behavior toward a person under 16 that is considered indecent, offensive, or intended to arouse. Suspects can face criminal charges even without physical contact if there was intent to engage in sexual activity.
These cases often depend on digital evidence, testimony, or surveillance. A defense attorney can challenge how the behavior was interpreted and whether intent can be proven to protect their client from some serious penalties.
A: Most convictions for lewd or lascivious conduct can require mandatory registration as a sex offender. Registration as a sex offender limits where you can live and work, and often lasts for life. The type of charge you face determines your classification and the exact requirements of your registration restrictions. Given the serious restrictions that can result from a sex crime conviction, defendants often focus on fighting their charges up front.
A: No. Florida does not automatically recognize a person’s removal from the sex offender registry in another state. Even if you no longer must register elsewhere, you may still be required to register as a sex offender in Florida, depending on the nature of your original offense and when you were released from any form of court-ordered sanction.
A: The penalties for lewd or lascivious conduct can include prison, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration. The severity of the punishment largely depends on the defendant’s age, the alleged victim’s age, and whether there was physical contact. Judges also consider prior convictions and aggravating factors. These cases can result in serious consequences beyond jail time.
A: Yes, lewd conduct charges can be reduced or dismissed if you have legal representation from an attorney who understands how to protect your rights and demand justice when the state lacks sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney can position you for reduced or dropped charges by scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence and uncovering new evidence that shows no crime was committed or that you did not commit the offense.
Contact Our Tampa Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Lawyer Today
Allegations of lewd and lascivious conduct can damage your reputation and place your freedom and future prospects in jeopardy. At the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., we provide strategic defense for clients accused of sexually motivated offenses. From pre-trial hearings to courtroom litigation, we focus on building a strong, fact-based defense while guiding you through a difficult process.
When you work with our firm, you partner with our industry-leading defense attorney. In December 2024, he received the Barry Cohen Award for Excellence in Criminal Defense from the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Contact the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A. to schedule your no-cost case review with a Tampa lewd and lascivious conduct lawyer who has the experience to successfully fight your charges.
