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Injunctions Against Sexual Violence

Clearwater Lawyer Helping Defendants Charged with Sex Crimes

Sexual violence injunctions are sought by people who believe that they have been victims of rape or other sex crimes. Also, the parents or legal guardians of minors who have been victims can ask for injunctions. The purpose is to provide protection, but in some cases, these orders impose further restrictions on somebody who is already facing a potential conviction or who has already served time and is on the sex offender registry. At Hanlon Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of people accused or convicted of sex crimes. If you are the respondent of a petition for an injunction against sexual violence, you should contact Clearwater sex crime lawyer Will Hanlon.

Injunctions Against Sexual Violence

Under Florida Statute section 784.046, someone can petition for an injunction against sexual violence when they have been a victim of sexual battery, a lewd or lascivious crime, luring, sexual performance of a child, or a forcible felony involving a sex act. The parents or legal guardians of minors can petition for an injunction on their behalf. Often, the injunction orders the perpetrator to stay 500 feet away from the petitioner's workplace, school, or home.

For example, if you were convicted of raping a fellow student, you could be subject to an injunction ordering you to stay away from that person's school, even if it is also your school. Similarly, if you lived in your parent's dwelling with a minor who was your niece, and you were convicted of lewd and lascivious molestation, her parents could obtain an injunction ordering you away from the home, even though it is also your home.

An injunction can be obtained even if the charges were dismissed. This is important because in some cases, a prosecuting attorney does not have enough evidence to obtain a conviction, but the victim or the parents of the victim have enough evidence to secure a protective injunction. However, if the parents are asking for an injunction on behalf of a minor child, they need to have reported what happened to police officers and be cooperating with the police in investigating the matter. Alternatively, you must have been sentenced to prison for sexual violence, and your term of imprisonment must be set to expire within 90 days of the petition being filed or must have already expired.

To obtain the injunction, the victim will put forward a sworn petition with detailed allegations. Often, parents request these injunctions after accusing someone of sexually molesting or otherwise abusing their child. If you are a parent and the other parent is asking for the injunction, they must have direct evidence of the incident at issue. If you are not a parent of the minor at issue, a parent must have reasonable cause to believe that a child is a victim of repeat sexual violence.

Many people do not understand why it matters if you are subject to an injunction. However, it is easy to violate a protective injunction. If you are found to have willfully violated a protective injunction, you can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. You can face up to one year in jail for a conviction. If you have been convicted two or more times for violating an injunction, you can be convicted of a third-degree felony. This can come with a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Seek Representation from a Resourceful Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney

Ideally, you should retain an attorney during the pre-filing stage of a sex crime investigation. If you are being investigated for rape, a lewd or lascivious crime, or any forcible sex crime, you should retain an attorney right away. There may be strong defenses available. It is best to fight an injunction against sexual violence arising from related events as well. An experienced Clearwater lawyer can coordinate a response to both the charge and the petition for an injunction. Our founder, Will Hanlon, has been providing criminal defense representation since 1994. Call Hanlon Law at 727.897.5413 or submit our online form.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
As a practicing attorney, I was shocked to hear that a family member of mine was alleged to have committed a sex crime. Knowing full well the consequences this type of allegation can have on anyone and their future, I immediately reached out to William Hanlon for help... Jerry
★★★★★
Was on the ball. Remembered names, events, places, situations. Never need to re explain the situation. Keeps in touch through out the entire experience and keeps you feeling safe, comforted and protected. Fights hard. Worth every single penny. Would never settle for anything less than Will. Carrie
★★★★★
I was facing a charge that if convicted would carry two years in prison minimally. Not only was he empathetic and listening to what I had to say but he arranged with the prosecutor for my charges not to be filed under terms of a pre trial investigation. Would highly recommend. Alec
★★★★★
I am very happy for what he did for me. Always there when I needed him. Explained everything well. He Fights for his clients. He got me what I needed. Hes an excellent lawyer. Mutaz
★★★★★
Mr. Hanlon did what no other lawyer could do. Not only did he turn my criminal history into a thing of the past so I could move on, he was a loyal associate. No matter how bad the situation is, he has miraculously cleared me on every charge since he became my lawyer 5 years ago. I have the best lawyer that the legal system has to offer. I have had other really good lawyers try to get my business, but I know that no one can do a better job than William Hanlon. Jesse