Sexual Abuse Attorney in Jacksonville

Facing A Sexual Abuse Allegation In Jacksonville

If you are facing a sexual abuse allegation in Jacksonville, you are dealing with one of the most serious and life-changing situations in the criminal justice system. A single accusation can put your freedom, reputation, career, and family relationships at risk. You may feel like people have already decided what happened before any court date is set, which is why you need the help of a sexual abuse attorney in Jacksonville.

I am Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer Mitch Stone. For more than 35 years, I have defended people in Florida criminal courts in major felony cases, including sensitive and complex allegations. I am a board-certified criminal trial lawyer in Florida, and I use that background to challenge the prosecution’s case at every step.

At Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., I work to protect your constitutional rights, hold law enforcement to the rules, and scrutinize the evidence the State plans to use against you. 

When you contact Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., your initial consultation is confidential. Our sexual abuse attorneys in Jacksonville will discuss what you are facing, what stage the case is in, and what immediate priorities we should focus on. Contact us online or call us at (904) 263-5005 today. 

The Reality Of Sexual Abuse Charges

Sexual abuse cases often begin with a report to law enforcement, a complaint within a family or workplace, or an allegation made during a divorce or custody dispute. From that moment, investigators start building a case, interviewing witnesses, collecting digital communications, and sometimes arranging forensic or medical examinations. The process can move quickly, and it can move before you have a chance to tell your side.

Under Florida law, sexual abuse allegations can lead to serious felony charges. Depending on the specific statute and facts, a conviction can bring lengthy prison sentences, strict probation, and possible sex offender registration. Registration affects where you can live, where you can work, and how you move through everyday life.

There are also collateral effects that do not come from the statute books. An investigation alone can threaten your job or professional license. Family members may be pressured to choose sides. In cases in Duval County courts and surrounding counties, I often see how quickly public opinion and social media can turn against someone based only on an arrest report.

Each case is different, and the strength of the State’s case depends on the quality of its investigation and evidence. There may be no physical evidence and only conflicting accounts. There may be text messages, emails, or social media posts that undercut what is being claimed. My role as your sexual abuse lawyer in Jacksonville is to expose those issues and to insist that prosecutors meet their burden of proof, rather than allowing assumptions to control the outcome.

How I Defend Sexual Abuse Allegations

When I take on a sexual abuse case, I start by listening carefully to you. I need to understand what has happened from your perspective, who the key people are, and what contact you have already had with law enforcement or the accusing party. Then I obtain and study every piece of discovery, including police reports, recorded interviews, forensic reports, digital evidence, and prior statements.

As your sexual abuse attorney in Jacksonville, I examine how the investigation was conducted. I look for inconsistencies in witness accounts, changes in the story over time, and any signs that investigators asked leading questions or ignored evidence that did not fit their theory. I evaluate whether your constitutional rights were respected, including your rights to counsel, to remain silent, and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. If officers cut corners or violated those rights, I work to challenge that conduct in court.

Sexual abuse cases often involve difficult credibility questions. There may be motives to exaggerate or fabricate, such as jealousy, revenge, financial pressure, or family conflict. Sometimes normal behavior is misinterpreted or taken out of context. There can also be misunderstandings that grow into criminal allegations. My job as your sexual abuse attorney in Jacksonville is to expose those problems and to present the judge or jury with a full, accurate picture instead of a one-sided narrative.

My board certification in criminal trial law reflects years of trying serious felony cases in Florida courts. I approach each sexual abuse case as though it may go to trial. That means preparing to cross-examine key witnesses, considering appropriate experts where needed, and developing a clear theory of defense early in the case. Careful preparation helps me evaluate plea offers and negotiate from a position of strength.

In every sexual abuse case I handle, I focus on several core steps:

• Carefully reviewing all discovery, including reports, audio and video interviews, and forensic materials
• Identifying legal issues, such as improper searches, unlawful interrogations, or suggestive identification procedures
• Analyzing the accusing witness’s statements for inconsistencies, motives, and missing details
• Locating and interviewing potential defense witnesses who may have been overlooked
• Preparing for hearings and potential trial with the same attention to detail I give to any major felony case

Having defended complex felony cases in this part of Florida, I understand the pressure these matters create and the strategies prosecutors are likely to use. I work to anticipate those strategies and to position your defense accordingly, with the goal of achieving the best result that the facts and the law allow.

What To Do If You Are Accused? Our Sexual Abuse Attorney in Jacksonville Answers

If you have been accused of sexual abuse or contacted by law enforcement about such an allegation, your first decisions can have a lasting impact on your case. It is natural to want to defend yourself, to explain your side, or to reach out to the accuser. Those impulses are understandable, but they can be very harmful in a criminal investigation.

It is rarely in your interest to speak with police, detectives, or investigators from the State Attorney’s Office without first talking to a defense lawyer. Anything you say, even if you believe it helps you, can be used and interpreted differently later. Once a statement is recorded, it cannot be taken back. I regularly review interview videos where innocent attempts to explain are portrayed as contradictions.

Contacting the accuser or trying to resolve things privately can also create serious problems. Messages, calls, or social media contact can be viewed as pressure or intimidation, even if that was not your intent. Courts can treat this as a violation of bond conditions or as evidence of consciousness of guilt. It is far better to let a sexual abuse attorney in Jacksonville address any necessary communication through proper legal channels.

It is also important not to delete or alter potential evidence or communications. Texts, emails, and online messages can sometimes help the defense. Removing them can create the appearance that you have something to hide and can cause practical difficulties in reconstructing what happened. When you meet with me, we will discuss what information you have and how it may affect the case.

If you are facing a sexual abuse allegation, some immediate steps are especially important:

• Do not talk about the facts of the case with the epolice or investigators before speaking with a defense lawyer
• Avoid contacting the complaining witness, even if you feel you can clear things up
• Preserve relevant texts, emails, and other communications, and gather the names of people who may have helpful information
• Stay off social media when it comes to the allegation or related disputes
• Contact my office as soon as possible so I can review your situation and advise you on your next steps

The earlier I am involved, the more opportunity there usually is to influence how the case is investigated and charged in Jacksonville and surrounding courts. Even if you have already spoken to law enforcement, it is still important to get experienced criminal defense guidance right away.

Why Choose Mitch Stone For Defense

In a sexual abuse case, you are asking a lawyer to defend everything that matters most to you. You should know who is actually handling your case and what that person brings to the courtroom. I lead every serious felony defense in my practice and stay personally involved in the key decisions that affect your future.

I am a board-certified criminal trial lawyer in Florida. Board certification is recognition given by The Florida Bar to attorneys who have tried a significant number of serious cases, passed a rigorous examination, and been reviewed by judges and other lawyers. In a sexual abuse case, where a trial may be a real possibility, that level of trial background can shape how your defense is prepared.

I have been defending people in Florida criminal courts for more than 35 years. I appear regularly in Duval County courts and courts throughout Northeast Florida. Over that time, I have handled major felonies and complex cases that attract public attention and scrutiny. That experience helps me stay focused on the law and evidence, not on outside pressure.

I also served as the 33rd President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. That role reflects respect from other defense attorneys across the state and involvement in criminal defense practice in Florida. It means I stay current on developments in criminal law and procedure that can affect sex crime cases and your defense.

Most importantly, my philosophy is that the State must be required to prove its case. I do not assume that accusations are accurate or that investigations were done correctly. As your sexual abuse attorney in Jacksonville, I scrutinize reports, challenge unlawful conduct by authorities, and insist that your rights are respected. When you work with me, you know that a seasoned Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer is standing between you and the power of the government.

Confidential Help From A Jacksonville Lawyer

Being accused of sexual abuse can feel isolating and overwhelming. Many clients tell me they are afraid of being judged and are unsure who they can safely talk to. My role is to give you a confidential space to tell me what is happening and to provide clear, honest advice about your options.

I handle sexual abuse defense personally and work with my team to manage the details that support your case. My goal is to give you straightforward guidance, to challenge the prosecution’s case at every appropriate opportunity, and to work for the best outcome available given the facts and the law.

If you are searching for a sexual abuse lawyer in Jacksonville who will take your case seriously, respect you as a person, and bring substantial trial experience to your defense, I encourage you to reach out. Waiting can limit your options and allow the State to get further ahead.

To speak confidentially with me about a sexual abuse allegation, call (904) 263-5005.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am falsely accused of sexual abuse?

If you are falsely accused, you should contact a defense lawyer immediately and avoid confronting the accuser. Do not give detailed statements to the police before you have legal advice. I work to investigate the accusation, gather helpful evidence, and expose inconsistencies or motives that may support your defense.

Should I talk to the police before I hire a lawyer?

In most situations, you should not talk to police about the facts of the case before you speak with a lawyer. Officers may seem helpful, but their job is to gather evidence. I can help you decide if and how to communicate, and I can be present during any interview.

How quickly can you get involved in my case?

I aim to become involved as early as possible, sometimes even before formal charges are filed. Early involvement lets me advise you before interviews, bond hearings, or other critical events. If you contact my office, we will schedule a confidential consultation and discuss immediate next steps.

How serious are sexual abuse charges in Florida?

Sexual abuse charges in Florida are extremely serious and often filed as felonies. A conviction can bring prison time, long term supervision, and possible sex offender registration. The exact penalties depend on the statute and the facts. I review the charges with you so you understand the specific risks.

Will my family or employer find out about the allegations?

Arrests and court filings are generally public records, so others can sometimes learn about a case. Whether family or employers find out often depends on how the case is charged and reported. As your sexual abuse attorney in Jacksonville, I discuss these issues with you and handle your case as discreetly as the legal process allows.

If you or someone you care about has been accused, I encourage you to contact my office to discuss your situation in a confidential setting before you speak to the police or make any decisions.