If you have been charged with voyeurism in Florida, then you may have a defense. Showing that someone had no expectation of privacy, or showing that the alleged victim was recorded indirectly on a security surveillance system are defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting voyeurism cases. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about how to beat your voyeurism case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Voyeurism in Florida is defined under Florida Statute 810.14. A person commits the crime of voyeurism when they, with lewd, lascivious or indecent intent, secretly observe:
- another person in a private dwelling, structure, or conveyance and such location provides a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
- another person’s intimate areas that are covered in a manner exhibiting a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Intimate areas in defined as the portion of a person’s body or undergarments that is covered by clothing and intended to be protected from public view.
Voyeurism is a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail, or up to one year probation and up to $1,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 1 year), the first time someone is convicted.
Solicitation of prostitution is a third-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison, or up to 5 years on probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail or prison sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 5 years), if the person has been convicted of voyeurism two or more times in the past.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for sex offenses, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with voyeurism in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.