Sex Crime Attorney in Jacksonville

Former SVU Prosecutor. Board-Certified Defense. Built to Dismantle the State’s Case.

If you’re under investigation, have been questioned, or have been arrested for a sexually related offense, retain a defense attorney before answering any questions. Statements made in an attempt to appear cooperative can and will be used against you. Sex crime accusations move quickly through Jacksonville’s criminal justice system, and early intervention is critical to preserving your options. Call Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. immediately to invoke your right to counsel.

Have you been accused of a sex crime? Call (904) 263-5005 today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a sex crime attorney in Jacksonville.

How Jacksonville Sex Crime Cases Move Through the System

After an arrest, your initial appearance takes place at the Duval County Courthouse, where a judge sets bail and release conditions. The State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit then decides whether and how to formally charge you. During the investigation and pretrial phases, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives continue collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and executing search warrants. These local procedures directly shape the direction and severity of your case, including the possibility of pretrial diversion or plea negotiation.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Fourth Judicial Circuit routinely use pretext calls and digital evidence as investigative tools. At Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., I track every deadline, challenge unlawful searches and improper interrogations, and anticipate prosecution tactics at every stage. Sex crime allegations are aggressively prosecuted here. Strategic, timely legal advocacy isn’t optional.

Why Hire Mitch Stone as Your Jacksonville Sex Crime Attorney

Mitch Stone served as an assistant state prosecutor in the Special Assault Unit, now known as the Special Victims Unit (SVU), prosecuting sex crimes and capital sexual offenses. That background gives him direct, working knowledge of how the State Attorney’s Office constructs these cases and where the evidence can fall short. He doesn’t have to guess at the prosecution’s strategy. He built those strategies himself.

Credentials & Recognition

Mitch is board-certified as a criminal trial lawyer in Florida, a credential held by a fraction of practicing attorneys, and brings over 35 years of criminal defense experience to every case. He served as the 33rd President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is AV Rated, Avvo 10.0 rated, and recognized by Super Lawyers and the U.S. News Best Law Firms designation.

His Record in Sex Crime Defense

His record includes complete dismissals of charges prior to trial and cases in which the prosecution abandoned the matter entirely based on credibility factors. He investigates to identify deficiencies in the evidence required for conviction, examines the motives of those claiming to be victims to expose false accusations, and knows how to work with courts, prosecutors, and the media to minimize a client’s exposure to publicity when those stakes are part of the equation.

Sex Crime Cases I Defend in Jacksonville

The types of sex crime cases Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. has defended include:

• Capital sexual offenses, sexual battery, and aggravated sexual assault
• Sex trafficking
• Lewd and lascivious assault and lewd conduct
• Indecent exposure
• Traveling to meet minors
• Spousal rape, date rape, and statutory rape
• Child molestation and child sexual abuse
• Internet sex crimes, sexting, and use of a two-way device to entice minors
• Child Pornography: Possession, Production, and Distribution
• Violations of sex offender registry laws or a failure to register
• Prostitution: Solicitation, Offering, Pimping
• Sexual assault and rape

Florida Sex Crime Penalties

Under Florida Statutes sections 775.082, 775.083, and 775.084, statutory maximum penalties for sex offenses vary significantly by degree. The actual sentence in any case depends on the specific facts, criminal history, and other circumstances.

Penalty Tiers by Degree

Statutory maximum penalties are as follows:

• Misdemeanor, 2nd degree: up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500
• Misdemeanor, 1st degree: up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Felony, 3rd degree: up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• Felony, 2nd degree: up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Felony, 1st degree: up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Life felony: up to 40 years or life and a fine of up to $15,000
• Capital sexual offense: life imprisonment without parole or, in certain cases, death

Penalties can increase based on the victim’s age, whether the victim was disabled, whether a weapon was involved, and whether the defendant has prior criminal history.

Sex Offender Registry Requirements

A conviction under Florida’s sexual battery statute, section 794.011, can trigger mandatory placement on the Florida Sex Offender Registry. Convicted sex offenders must register with the county sheriff and maintain that registration as required by law. Florida Statute 943.0435 governs registration requirements for sexual offenders, while the Florida Sexual Predators Act, section 775.21, applies to those designated as sexual predators. How often an offender must report in person depends on their classification and the offense: standard sexual offenders generally must report twice per year, while sexual predators and those convicted of more serious specified offenses must report four times per year. Beyond incarceration and registration, a conviction can carry civil consequences, including loss of voting rights and significant restrictions on employment opportunities.

If you are suspected of, or have been charged with, any type of sexual offense, reach out to a sex crime attorney in Jacksonville promptly. You can also call us at (904) 263-5005.

How I Build a Defense Against Sex Crime Charges

Every sex crime defense starts with the evidence. I investigate to identify deficiencies in what the prosecution must prove and move quickly to challenge unlawfully obtained evidence through pretrial motions to suppress. Under Florida law, the State carries the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and my job is to hold them to that standard.

Common defense approaches I evaluate in Jacksonville sex crime cases include:

• Challenging the sufficiency of physical or forensic evidence
• Contesting the reliability or consistency of witness testimony
• Raising consent as a defense where the facts support it
• Identifying police misconduct, including illegal searches or improper interrogations
• Exposing false accusations by examining the motives and credibility of the accuser
• Contesting identification or intent where the charged offense requires it

My background as a former SVU prosecutor means I know exactly what the State Attorney’s Office must prove and where those proofs are most likely to fall short. In some cases, I can intervene before charges are filed at all, presenting the weaknesses in the investigation directly to the prosecutor. That kind of early intervention is only possible when a defense attorney is involved from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If Law Enforcement Contacts Me About a Sex Crime in Jacksonville?

Invoke your right to remain silent immediately and request a sex crime attorney before answering any questions. Don’t attempt to explain your situation or demonstrate your innocence through statements. Anything you say can be used against you. At Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., I step in right away to communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, manage all correspondence, and protect your rights from the outset. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Fourth Judicial Circuit routinely use interviews, pretext calls, and digital evidence as part of their investigative process. Having counsel from the beginning isn’t a sign of guilt. It’s the decision that can protect your defense.

Can My Sex Crime Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Duval County?

Every case is different, but charges in Duval County may be reduced or dismissed when there are questions about evidence sufficiency, witness credibility, or errors in police procedure. I perform an exhaustive review to identify constitutional violations, inconsistencies in testimony, and flaws in how evidence was collected and handled. That analysis forms the basis for negotiating with the State Attorney’s Office, whether the goal is reduced charges, a dismissal, a plea agreement, or alternative sentencing. Early, assertive action can give you the opportunity to identify those issues before positions harden.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Jacksonville?

A conviction can trigger mandatory placement on the Florida Sex Offender Registry, which carries strict reporting requirements and substantial limitations on residency, employment, and internet use. The registry is actively monitored by local law enforcement, with regular compliance checks and ongoing community notification. These restrictions can affect housing options in Duval County, employment prospects, and participation in community life. At Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., I advise clients on compliance requirements, pursue record sealing and expungement when available, and seek post-conviction relief to address the long-term impact of a conviction.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Jacksonville Sex Crime Lawyer

A sex crime charge puts everything at stake. I can review the facts, explain the law, and outline the defenses available in your specific case. Payment plans are available.

Contact Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. today to get started on your defense with a Jacksonville sex crime attorney.