Inappropriate sexual conduct with a child is one of the worst acts for which you can be accused, with numerous lasting personal, professional, and legal consequences. If you are facing similar allegations, a Wellington, FL, child rape lawyer can help you through this challenging period. You don’t have to face an investigation or arrest alone.
The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel has over half a decade of representing the people of Wellington, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and communities throughout Southern Florida in their criminal defense cases. Attorney Kessel utilizes an aggressive, zealous approach to cases. He is passionate about fighting for a solution that works for you.
Child rape is one of the most severe criminal charges. In 2024, Florida had493 counts of sexual violence against children ages 5 to 11, or a rate of 28.2 per 100,000 children in that age range. In Palm Beach County, there were 21 counts, with an average of 18.8 per 100,000.
Child rape cases are felonies and are processed through Palm County Circuit Court. The central location is in West Palm Beach at Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse at 205 Dixie Highway.
The severity of charges and potential penalties varies based on the parties involved and the acts committed. The following are a few types of cases that we represent:
Unlawful sexual activities with certain minors are defined as an alleged offender over theage of 24 years engaging in sexual activity with a 16 or 17-year-old minor. It is a second-degree felony, punishable by a fine ofup to $10,000 and maximumimprisonment of 15 years. Defendants who are under 24 may qualify for the Romeo and Juliet defense if the act was consensual.
Lewd or lascivious battery occurs when someone over the age of 18 engages in sexual touching and acts with a minorunder the age of 16, with no penetration. Instances involving victims over the age of 12 are considered second-degree felonies. Criminal acts committed against a child under the age of 12 are a life felony, punishable by life in prison or imprisonment of 40 years.
Capital sexual battery is the most severe type of child rape case in Florida. It is defined as the oral, vaginal, or anal penetration of a minor under the age of 12 by an adult offender. Penalties may result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Hire a child rape lawyer to help you through this challenging period. Your Wellington child rape attorney can guide you through each stage of your case, explain the charges against you, and fight for you throughout the proceedings. A few vital roles that The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel can play in your case include:
A: How much your Florida child rape attorney costs depends on the severity of charges, the age of the parties involved, whether litigation is required, and the workload of the case. Cases with early settlements typically cost less than capital sexual battery charges involving a full trial and appeals process. Another contributing factor is the billing structure your firm uses, with different lawyers using flat fees, retainer expenses, and hourly rates.
In Florida, sex offender registration is mandatory upon conviction of any type of child rape charge. These are lifetime appointments and include a person’s vehicles, address, place of work, school status, email address, and internet profiles. Any change to these must be submitted to the countywithin 48 hours. Failure to do so may result in a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison.
Donna’s Law in Florida refers toCS/HB 199. It is named after Donna Hedrick, who wished to pursue charges after the statute of limitations as an adult for a rape that occurred when she was 15. Donna’s Law removes the statute of limitations for child sexual battery involving minors under the age of 16 at the time of the assault.
The penalties for child rape in Florida depend on the type of charge you are facing and aggravating factors involved. Most convictions result in some length of prison time and registration on the sexual offender list. Incidents of capital sexual battery can end in the death penalty. Your lawyer can assess your case to determine what punishment you may receive upon conviction.
Attorney Kessel knows how daunting it can be to face allegations of child rape. His team is prepared to provide you with aggressive defense using their years of legal experience, skills, and knowledge. We can make a positive impact on your case.Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where Attorney Kessel can hear your side of the story, address problems you face in your case, and provide legal strategies. You may also visit our Wellington office in town, located on South Shore Boulevard, a block south of Tiger Shark Cove Park, and north of South Shore Park and Pierson Road.
Mr. Julian Kessel exceeded my expectations, he went above and beyond what he needed to for me, his dedication to my case was astounding! When I first made contact with…
Julian Kessel goes above and beyond. He was a very big help in my case. Excellent Lawyer. I am very appreciative for the time and effort he put into helping…
Julian was very straightforward with everything. Which I appreciated a lot. He told me everything that was to be expected so there was no surprises he also got my sentencing…
Attorney Kessel gave very informative legal advice which clarified a lot of my questions. He gave me a lot of insight on my situation. I really appreciate him taking the…
Attorney Julian Kessel was extremely helpful to guide me and give me advice on my son’s case that is presiding in New Jersey. He was remarkable in steering me in…
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