The Hoffman Firm The Hoffman Firm

Miami Lewd & Lascivious Battery Lawyer

Decades of Experience Serving both Miami & Fort Lauderdale

Lewd or lascivious battery, commonly referred to as statutory rape, is a serious offense in Florida. A conviction for lewd or lascivious battery is a felony conviction, which could result in several years imprison, steep fines, and sex offender registration. Charges of statutory rape or lewd or lascivious battery often involve consensual relationships between a minor and a young adult within his or her peer group.

Evan Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm is a former prosecutor and experienced sex crimes lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He diligently defends individuals facing complex sex crime charges, including rape, statutory rape, lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation throughout Miami and Fort Lauderdale.


To schedule a free consultation, call us at (305) 928-1669 for Miami, 954-737-3004 for Broward County, or contact us online


The personal, professional, and criminal consequences of a lewd or lascivious battery can be ruinous. If you have been accused or charged with lewd or lascivious battery or statutory rape in Florida, it is crucial to consult an experienced sex crime defense attorney immediately.

Commonly, lewd or lascivious battery charges arise in the following instances:

  • Dating or romantic relationship between a minor and adult in same peer group
  • Individual charged did not know or was mistaken about the age of the minor
  • Minor misrepresented or lied about age

Lewd or Lascivious Battery Laws in Florida

Under Florida Statute § 800.04 (4) a person commits lewd or lascivious battery by committing the following:

  • Engaging in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older, but less than 16 years of age
  • Encouraging, forcing, or enticing any person less than 16 years of age to engage in:
    • Sadomasochistic abuse
    • Sexual bestiality
    • Prostitution
    • Any other act involving sexual activity

In order to convict an individual of lewd or lascivious battery F.S. § 800.04 (4) 1 (engaging in sexual activity) the prosecution must prove the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

  • Age of the victim - the prosecution must prove the victim was 12 years or older, but under the age of 16 years at the time of the offense
  • Sexual contact - the prosecution must prove a sexual organ of the defendant penetrated or had contact with or intimate contact with the victim

Definitions of Criminal Acts

Sadomasochistic abuse means flagellation or torture by or upon a person, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained, for the purpose of deriving sexual satisfaction from inflicting harm on another or receiving such harm oneself. Sexual bestiality means any sexual act between a person and an animal involving the sex organ. Sexual activity means penetration or union of a sexual organ with another sexual organ or object.

Lewd or Lascivious Battery Defenses

Lewd or lascivious battery is considered a strict liability offense. As a result, there are few permissible defenses.

However, the following defenses may not be raised:

  • Victim’s lack of chastity
  • Victim’s consent
  • Defendant’s ignorance or lack of knowledge of the victim’s age
  • Defendant’s bona fide belief of victim’s age
  • Victim’s misrepresentation of age

Related Sexual-Based Offenses

The classification of sexually-motivated offenses is a fact intensive determination. Several facts, including the age of the victim, age of the offender, and conduct, distinguish one sex crime from the other. It is important to consult an experienced sex crime defense attorney regarding any sex crime accusation or charges filed against you.

The following sex crimes are related to lewd or lascivious battery in Florida:

  • Lewd or lascivious molestation
  • Lewd or lascivious exhibition
  • Child molestation
  • Prostitution
  • Date rape
  • Indecent exposure
  • Sexual battery
  • Rape
  • Unlawful sexual activity with minors

Penalties for a Conviction

Generally, lewd or lascivious battery is considered a second degree felony. A felony of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 years and a fine of no more than $10,000.

Lewd or lascivious battery is considered a first degree felony when the offender is 18 years of age or older and was previously convicted of a violation. A first degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 under F.S. § 775.082 (b)1 unless specifically provided by statute.

Individuals convicted of lewd or lascivious battery under F.S. § 800.04 (4) may be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his or her life.


Schedule your free consultation today by calling 305-928-1669 if your case is out of Miami, 954-737-3004 if your case is out of Broward County, or contacting us online.


Why Should You Hire The Hoffman Firm? Here Are a Few Reasons:

  • Client-Focused Representation
    Our Firm is dedicated to client satisfaction. We are available 24/7 to help those in need.
  • Decades of Experience
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has over two decades of experience fighting for the accused.
  • Premier Criminal Defense Firm
    Experienced Attorney Evan Hoffman has handled some of the most high profile and complex cases.
  • Proven Track Record
    Client satisfaction is our top priority. At The Hoffman Firm we take great pride in our success and case victories.
  • Florida Former State Prosecutor
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has extensive knowledge of the strategies used by prosecutors throughout Florida.
  • Free Initial Consultation
    We offer free initial consultations to ensure that we have your best interests in mind.

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