Sexual Abuse Attorney in Sarasota

Former 12th Circuit Prosecutor Defending Sexual Abuse Charges in Sarasota

Sexual abuse allegations in Florida set off a process that moves fast and carries consequences that last a lifetime. If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been charged, retaining a sexual abuse attorney in Sarasota before formal charges are filed can matter as much as anything that happens in court. At Fowler Law Group, we defend adults and juveniles facing these allegations throughout Sarasota County, and we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand where things stand.

Our lead attorney, James Fowler Jr., is a former State Prosecutor for the 12th Judicial Circuit, the same circuit that handles felony sexual abuse cases originating in Sarasota County. That background isn’t incidental. It means our defense team understands how local prosecutors construct these cases from the start, which witnesses they prioritize, and what evidence they rely on. That knowledge shapes how we approach your defense from day one.

A conviction under Florida’s sexual abuse statutes carries penalties that extend well beyond prison time. Mandatory sex offender registration follows most convictions for life, affecting where you can live, work, and travel. Getting ahead of the investigation, before statements are made or evidence is shaped against you, is one of the most important steps you can take.

Facing sexual abuse charges in Sarasota? Call Fowler Law Group at (941) 900-3100 for a free consultation with our defense team.

Why Sarasota Clients Choose Fowler Law Group

James Fowler Jr. prosecuted sex crimes cases in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties before moving to criminal defense. That experience provides a direct view into how the State structures its cases, how prosecutors evaluate evidence, and where cases are most vulnerable to challenge. Our team draws on over 30 years of collective experience in Florida criminal defense, and that depth applies directly to the complexity these charges carry.

James is also a fourth-generation Sarasota County native. His relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement aren’t a talking point. They are part of how cases get negotiated and resolved in the 12th Judicial Circuit. Reputation and familiarity with the people in the room matter in plea discussions and at trial.

Our firm is built to serve a broad range of clients. Alene Sartori Fowler is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and our team includes professionals with backgrounds in investigation and nonprofit work in family and community contexts. That range of perspective informs how we approach cases where family dynamics, community standing, or personal conflict play a role in the allegations.

Sexual Abuse Charges Under Florida Law

Florida doesn’t have a standalone “sexual abuse” statute. Conduct commonly described as sexual abuse is prosecuted under two primary statutes depending on the specific allegations: Florida Statute Section 794.011, which governs sexual battery, and Florida Statute Section 800.04, which covers lewd and lascivious offenses. Which statute applies and how the charge is filed determines the range of penalties a defendant faces.

Sexual Battery Under Section 794.011

The severity of sexual battery charges under Section 794.011 depends heavily on the ages of the parties involved. Under Florida law, sexual battery committed by a defendant 18 or older against a victim under 12 is classified as a capital felony, which can carry life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or, where the State pursues it, the death penalty. When the alleged victim is between 12 and 18, the charge may be prosecuted as a life felony or first-degree felony depending on the circumstances, including the use of force or a deadly weapon, with sentences that can extend to life imprisonment.

Florida law doesn’t permit a mistake-of-age defense for sexual battery charges under Section 794.021, and when the alleged victim is under 12, consent isn’t a defense because the law treats the victim’s age as establishing the legal absence of consent.

Lewd & Lascivious Battery Under Section 800.04

Lewd and lascivious battery under Section 800.04 applies to conduct involving a child 12 years of age or older but younger than 16. This offense is a second-degree felony under Florida law, carrying a maximum of 15 years in prison. Under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, convictions under this statute can carry a minimum sentence of approximately 7.5 years in many cases. All convictions under these statutes trigger mandatory sex offender registration, with requirements that persist for life in most cases.

How We Defend Sexual Abuse Charges in Sarasota

Every case begins with a thorough review of all available evidence, including forensic reports, witness statements, digital records, and the circumstances surrounding the initial accusation. James Fowler Jr.’s prosecutorial experience in the 12th Judicial Circuit tells us what the State is looking for and where their case may be weakest. We build from that analysis.

Defenses in these cases vary significantly based on the facts. Common approaches include:

• False accusations: Allegations motivated by custody disputes, personal conflicts, or other pressures aren’t uncommon. We investigate the accuser’s account and the circumstances that produced it.
• Mistaken identity: When the identification of the accused isn’t supported by strong physical or forensic evidence, challenging that identification is a viable path.
• Sufficiency of evidence: The State carries the burden of proof. We scrutinize whether the physical, forensic, or testimonial evidence actually meets that standard.
• Consent defenses in adult cases: Where the alleged conduct and the ages of the parties permit it under Florida law, consent can be a viable defense in cases involving adult victims.

We also represent clients during the investigation phase, before charges are formally filed. Statements made to law enforcement without an attorney present can become central to the prosecution’s case. If investigators have contacted you, we can advise on how to respond and whether pre-filing intervention is appropriate.

We defend both adults and juveniles facing sexual abuse allegations. Juvenile cases involve different procedural rules and different long-term consequences, and we approach them with that distinction in mind.

Sexual Abuse Cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court

All felony sexual abuse and related charges originating in Sarasota County are handled by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. James Fowler Jr. prosecuted cases in that same circuit before becoming a defense attorney. He knows how the court operates, what individual judges prioritize in their courtrooms, and how local prosecutors approach cases that go to trial versus those they’re willing to negotiate. That local knowledge affects strategy at every stage, from how evidence is framed in pretrial motions to how a defense is presented at trial. Our offices in both Sarasota and Bradenton serve clients throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If Accused of Sexual Abuse in Florida?

Don’t speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Investigators may approach you before any formal charges are filed, and anything you say can be used by the prosecution. Contact a defense attorney as early as possible, ideally during the investigation phase. At Fowler Law Group, our first step is a free, confidential consultation to review your situation and explain your options before you make any decisions about how to respond.

What Are the Penalties for Sexual Abuse Charges in Florida?

Penalties depend on the statute charged and the circumstances of the case. Under Florida Statute Section 794.011, sexual battery against a child under 12 by a defendant 18 or older is a capital felony that can carry life imprisonment without parole or, where the State pursues it, the death penalty. Charges involving victims between 12 and 18 can carry sentences up to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances. Lewd and lascivious battery under Section 800.04 carries a maximum of 15 years for a second-degree felony, with a minimum of approximately 7.5 years under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code in many cases. Mandatory sex offender registration applies to all of these convictions and persists for life in most cases.

How Does James Fowler’s Prosecutorial Experience Help My Defense?

James Fowler Jr. prosecuted sex crimes cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit, which covers Sarasota County, before moving to criminal defense. That experience gives our team a direct understanding of how local prosecutors build these cases, which arguments they favor, and where their cases are most vulnerable. We use that knowledge to anticipate the State’s approach and build a defense that addresses their strategy before it reaches the courtroom.

What Sets Fowler Law Group Apart from Other Firms?

A few things are specific to our firm. James Fowler Jr. is a fourth-generation Sarasota County native with deep ties to the local legal community. Alene Sartori Fowler is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, making our firm accessible to clients who are more comfortable in those languages. Our team also includes professionals with backgrounds in investigation and nonprofit work serving families and communities, which gives us a broader lens on cases where personal relationships and community context are central to the allegations. Our collective criminal defense experience spans over 30 years.

What Does the Defense Process Look Like From Start to Finish?

We begin with a free initial consultation to review the allegations, any contact you’ve had with law enforcement, and the evidence you’re aware of. From there, we conduct an independent investigation, analyze all available evidence, and identify the strongest defense arguments for your situation. Where possible, we intervene before charges are formally filed. If the case proceeds, we prepare for negotiations with the prosecution and, if necessary, for trial. Where applicable after resolution, we can also assist with record sealing or expungement. You’ll hear from us consistently at each stage so you know where your case stands.

Talk to a Sarasota Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

Sexual abuse charges in Florida move quickly, and the decisions made in the early days of an investigation can shape what happens months later in court. At Fowler Law Group, we offer free consultations to help you understand your situation and your options before anything else is decided. The sooner you have counsel, the more options may remain available.

Call Fowler Law Group at (941) 900-3100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer in Sarasota.