Sexual Assault

Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving People in St. Petersburg and Surrounding Cities

Blake & Dorsten, P.A. consists of dedicated sex crime lawyers who represent people in the Tampa Bay area who have been charged with sexual assault and other crimes. We are former prosecutors who have valuable insights into how the government approaches these cases. Our St. Petersburg sexual assault lawyers work proactively, moving to build comprehensive and meticulous defenses for clients as early as possible in the process. We are dedicated to guiding defendants through the criminal justice system, keeping them fully aware of their rights and options at each and every step of the way.

Fighting Charges of Sexual Assault

A sexual assault (battery) generally happens when one or more persons force another person to commit a sexual act against their will. This crime includes cases of rape, as well as other aggressive behavior of a sexual nature. Other sex crimes include the exposure of sexual organs, lewd and lascivious actions, sexual activity with a minor, and the use of electronic devices to lure minors into sexual activity.

It is hard to overstate just how serious it is to be charged with sexual assault or a related crime. If you are convicted, you likely will face significant money penalties and jail time that may keep you away from your friends and family for years to come. This is not to mention the social stigma. If you are convicted of sexual assault in Florida, you will be required to register as a sex offender. Your home address will be listed in the state sex offender registry upon your release. Your photo will also be posted on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is available to the general public.

A person who is suspected of or has been charged with sexual assault or another sex crime is well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced sexual assault attorney in the St. Petersburg area as soon as possible. The sooner that you obtain legal representation, the sooner that your lawyer can start building your defense. In some cases, the question is not whether the sexual contact happened but instead whether the sexual contact was consensual. Resolving that question may mean sifting through a wide range of evidence, talking to possible witnesses, and reviewing police and medical reports. In other cases, a strong defense may be that you could not have committed the crime because you were somewhere else at the same time.

Contact a Dedicated Sexual Assault Lawyer in St. Petersburg

We understand the legal issues that often come up in these cases. We know how to dig through evidence and present it to a judge and jury in a persuasive manner. Our St. Petersburg sexual assault attorneys have also had success negotiating favorable plea deals for clients to resolve certain cases efficiently and to help the people whom we represent move on with their lives. If you or a loved one has been charged with sexual assault in the Tampa Bay area, we are ready to help. Blake & Dorsten also represents people who need a DUI attorney or assistance with fighting another type of criminal charge in Tampa, Sarasota, Brandon, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bradenton, as well as other areas of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Lee Counties. Call us at 727-286-6141 or contact us online to make a free appointment to discuss your case with an attorney.