What is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Florida?
Many states have Romeo and Juliet laws. In many cases, these laws provide an exception the statutory rape laws. For example, in other states, Romeo and Juliet laws do not prosecute individuals who engaged in sexual intercourse with someone who was a teenager but relatively close to their age. However, this is not how Florida’s Romeo and Juliet laws work. If you are a young person in a relationship, or you have teenage children, it is critical that you know how these laws work. Below, our Fort Lauderdale sex offense lawyer explains further.
What is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Florida?
The Romeo and Juliet law in Florida allows individuals who qualify to petition the court to remove them from the sex offender registry in the state. A person who engages in sexual contact with someone under the age of consent, which is 18 years old in most circumstances, can still face certain criminal charges as well as prosecution. However, it can protect a young person from the devastation and lifelong stigma of being listed on the sex offender registry.
Under the Romeo and Juliet laws, individuals can petition the court to be removed from the sex offender registry if they meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- At the time of the offense, the victim was between 13 and 17 years old
- The offender was less than four years older than the victim
- The victim must have consented to the sexual contact
- The defendant must have been required to register only for certain qualifying offenses
- The individual must meet all eligibility requirements and not pose a risk to public safety
How to File a Romeo and Juliet Petition
It is important to know that removal from the sex offender registry does not happen automatically. If you are convicted and meet the state’s eligibility requirements, your lawyer can petition the court for relief under the Romeo and Juliet laws. They must include certain information in your petition including certain information about the conviction, proof of the ages of the individuals involved in the offense, and evidence that proves the relationship was consensual.
You will likely have to attend a court hearing when petitioning for removal from the sex offender registry. It is crucial that you allow a Fort Lauderdale sex offenses lawyer to represent you in court. They will be able to show the court that you are eligible and address any concerns raised.
Call Our Sex Offenses Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
Of all the different sex offenses and legal exceptions in Florida, the Romeo and Juliet law is one of the most misunderstood. At Haber Blank, LLP, our Fort Lauderdale sex offenses lawyer can determine if you are eligible, represent you in court, and argue your case so you have the best chance of obtaining a successful outcome. Call us now at 954-767-0300 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/794.05
