Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyer Says Too Much is at Stake for Sex Crimes Suspects

Lakeland, FL (Law Firm Newswire) April 20, 2012 – Getting convictions on sex crimes is a top priority for many prosecutors in Florida. With the growing publicity of sexual offenses, convictions are a surefire way to get popularity within the community.

Unfortunately, with such an aggressive effort to get more convictions, many innocent and wrongfully accused people are charged with sex crimes. Unlike other offenses, crimes labeled as sexual offenses are not easy to conceal and can ruin the life of a wrongfully accused citizen.

“There is too much at stake if you are accused of a sex crime,” said Polk County criminal defense lawyer Thomas Grajek. “If you become a convicted sex offender in the State of Florida, your career can be ruined, your ability to get future employment can be jeopardized, and you may not be able to move into a nice community.”

The State of Florida, like 30 other states, has laws that prohibit registered sex offenders from living near schools, parks, and playgrounds. Some counties in Florida restrict convicted offenders from coming within 2,500 feet of such places.

“Being a sex offender is a life sentence,” cautioned Polk County criminal defense attorney, Grajek. “For most crimes, you will serve a sentence, get released from prison and possibly serve time on house arrest. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you have to register with every municipality that you live in for the rest of your life. If you are in Florida, you will have to follow some of the toughest restrictions in the country.”

Such laws have come under attack in recent years as they convict persons that reasonably pose no real threat to society. An adult teenager sending a pornographic picture from his cell phone to his girlfriend just 3 years younger than him could be forced to labeled a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Recently, Florida “sexting” laws have incriminated teenagers sending such images from one cell phone to another. While pictures were generally from one minor to another, the state was prosecuting them and pushing 16- and 17-year-olds onto the sex offender registry.

In October of 2011, the State of Florida reduced the punishment for teen sexting for first time offenders to a $60 fine or eight hours of community service. Second offense becomes a misdemeanor and the third is a felony charge.

“If you are accused of a sex crime, the ability to move around freely and succeed is jeopardized for the rest of your life. Seek representation from an experienced defense attorney,” Grajek said.

Thomas Grajek is an aggressive criminal trial attorney with experience in the courtroom who will speak up in court for his clients.
For more information about Polk County DUI lawyer Thomas Grajek, go to http://www.flcrimedefense.com/ or call 863-688-4606.

Thomas C .Grajek
206 Easton Drive, Suite 102
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863.688.4606

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