Last updated January 2026
Fort Lauderdale Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Former Prosecutor. Trusted Advocate. Relentless Defense.
Being accused of a sex crime is devastating. Even before charges are filed, an allegation can lead to arrests, no-contact orders, seized devices, damage to your reputation, and lasting professional consequences.
If you are under investigation or facing sex crime charges in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, what you do early matters. These cases are prosecuted aggressively, often based on statements, digital evidence, or undercover operations — and mistakes made at the investigation stage of a sex crime allegation are difficult to undo.
At Michael White, P.A., we provide strategic, judgment-free defense for individuals accused of serious sex offenses throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and South Florida.
📞 Confidential consultations available
📍 Fort Lauderdale–based defense for state and federal sex crime cases
🔍 What Are Sex Crimes Under Florida Law?
“Sex crimes” is a broad category under Florida law that includes a wide range of offenses — from allegations involving physical contact to internet-based accusations and registration-related violations.
These cases often involve:
Heightened penalties
Mandatory minimum sentences
Long-term probation conditions
Sex offender registration requirements
Federal crossover exposure
Understanding the specific charge — and how it is investigated — is critical to building an effective defense.
⚖️ Common Sex Crime Charges We Defend
Rather than treating all sex offenses the same, Florida law breaks these cases into distinct categories. Each carries different elements, penalties, and defense strategies.
🔹 Sexual Battery (Rape)
Allegations involving sexual activity without lawful consent, including claims of force, coercion, incapacitation, or inability to consent.
👉 Learn more about sexual battery charges in Florida
🔹 Lewd or Lascivious Offenses (§ 800.04)
Charges involving alleged sexual conduct, contact, or exhibition involving minors. Penalties depend heavily on age differences and the type of conduct alleged.
👉 Learn more about lewd and lascivious offenses in Florida
🔹 Internet & Computer Sex Crimes
Cases involving online communications, undercover sting operations, digital evidence, and seized devices — often prosecuted before any in-person contact occurs.
👉 Learn more about internet sex crimes in Florida
🔹 Sex Offender Registration & Violations
Some sex crime convictions require registration under Florida law. Violations — even technical or unintentional ones — can result in new felony charges.
👉 Learn more about sex offender registration requirements in Florida
🛡️ How Sex Crime Cases Are Defended
Every case is unique, but effective sex crime defense often focuses on:
🔹 False or Unreliable Allegations
Many cases arise from:
Breakups or relationship disputes
Custody conflicts
Misunderstandings or exaggerations
Third-party influence
In some cases, allegations are exaggerated or entirely false, and require immediate strategic response before charges are filed. We examine timelines, motives, and inconsistencies carefully.
🔹 Lack of Intent or Knowledge
Especially in internet-based cases, the State must prove knowing and intentional conduct — not accidental downloads, misidentified files, or misunderstood communications.
🔹 Entrapment & Sting Operations
In undercover cases, police must prove predisposition. Inducement or pressure by law enforcement can undermine the prosecution’s case — particularly in online investigations.
🔹 Unlawful Searches & Digital Evidence
Sex crime cases frequently involve:
Overbroad warrants
Improper device searches
Cloud or account access beyond lawful scope
Illegally obtained evidence may be suppressed.
🔹 Consent (When Legally Valid)
In some cases, consent may be a complete defense depending on ages, circumstances, and statutory definitions.
⚠️ What to Do If You’re Under Investigation
If you believe you are being investigated for a sex crime:
Do not speak to detectives without an attorney
Do not attempt to explain or “clear things up”
Do not consent to searches of phones, computers, or accounts
Do not contact the alleged complainant
Preserve any potentially exculpatory evidence
Early intervention can prevent charges from being filed — or significantly limit exposure.
⭐ Why Choose Michael White, P.A.?
Former Broward County prosecutor
Former General Counsel to the Broward Police Benevolent Association
Extensive experience with sex crime investigations and charging decisions
Skilled in digital-forensic and search-warrant challenges
Judgment-free, fully confidential representation
Aggressive courtroom defense and strategic negotiation when appropriate
We regularly defend licensed professionals, students, first-time offenders, and individuals falsely accused of serious crimes.
📞 Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crime allegations carry lifelong consequences — and you only get one chance to get the defense right.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request a confidential consultation today.