Clermont Child Molestation Attorney

Serious Charges, Steady Defense On Your Side

Allegations involving a child can turn your life upside down in a single day. You may be facing an arrest, an active investigation, or a call from a detective, and you know that the stakes could include prison and a lifelong record. In this moment, you need a child molestation attorney in Clermont who understands both the law and the reality of what you are facing.

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we defend people in Clermont and across Lake County who are accused of serious sex offenses involving minors. With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have guided clients through some of the most difficult chapters of their lives. We act quickly, we communicate clearly, and we work to shoulder as much of this burden as we can.

If you or someone you care about has been accused, you do not have to navigate this alone. Call (888) 835-5840 for a confidential consultation.

What is Child Molestation?

Under Florida law, child molestation is legally referred to as lewd or lascivious molestation. According to Florida Statute § 800.04, this occurs when an individual intentionally touches a child under the age of 16 in a lewd or lascivious manner.

In Clermont and throughout Florida, the state does not need to prove that "penetration" occurred to secure a conviction for molestation. Any intentional, sexually motivated touching of a child can trigger these life-altering charges.

Examples of Child Molestation

The legal definitions in Florida are broad, meaning many different types of conduct can lead to a "lewd or lascivious" charge. Common examples seen in Clermont cases include:

• Inappropriate Touching: Any intentional touching of a child’s private areas, even over clothing, if the intent is deemed sexual.
• Forced Contact: Compelling a minor to touch the adult’s genitals or other private areas.
• Grooming Behaviors: While grooming itself is a process, it often leads to physical acts that fall under the molestation statute.
• Enticement: Using bribes, threats, or manipulation to convince a child to engage in sexual conduct.
• Digital Solicitations: In some cases, digital interactions that lead to physical meetings can result in multiple charges, including molestation.

Florida Child Molestation Penalties

Florida is notoriously strict regarding sex crimes. If you are convicted, the penalties are designed to be punitive and permanent. The severity of the sentence depends largely on the age of the victim and the age of the defendant.

Victim Under 12 Years Old

If the defendant is 18 or older and the victim is under 12, the offense is classified as a life felony.

• Sentence: A minimum-mandatory sentence (often 25 to 30 years) up to life in prison.
• Fines: Up to $15,000.

Victim Aged 12 to 15

If the victim is between the ages of 12 and 15, the offense is typically a second-degree felony.

• Sentence: Up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.
• Fines: Up to $10,000.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond prison time, a conviction carries "collateral" penalties that last a lifetime:

• Sex Offender Registration: You will likely be required to register as a sex offender for life, which restricts where you can live and work.
• Loss of Rights: You will lose your right to own a firearm and your right to vote.
• Professional Impact: A permanent criminal record makes it nearly impossible to hold professional licenses or secure employment in many industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged if there is no physical evidence?

Yes. In many child molestation cases in Clermont, there is no forensic evidence or DNA. The State can (and often does) proceed based solely on the testimony of the alleged victim or a witness. This is why having a skilled defense attorney to cross-examine witnesses and highlight inconsistencies is vital.

Is "consent" a defense if the minor was willing?

No. Under Florida law, a minor under the age of 16 is legally incapable of giving consent. Even if the minor was the initiator or claimed to be older, the law holds the adult responsible. However, "mistake of age" or lack of sexual intent can sometimes be used in specific defense strategies.

What is the statute of limitations for child molestation in Florida?

As of 2026, Florida has significantly expanded or eliminated the statute of limitations for many sex crimes involving minors. For many offenses involving victims under 16, there is no time limit for the state to bring criminal charges, meaning an individual can be charged decades after the alleged incident.

How The Law Offices of Justin Rickman Defends Your Case

When you hire our team, we begin an immediate and exhaustive investigation into the allegations. We do not take the prosecution’s "facts" at face value. Our defense strategies often include:

• Challenging Credibility: We scrutinize the statements made by the accuser and witnesses for inconsistencies or ulterior motives, such as coaching by a parent or a custody dispute.
• Forensic Interviews: We review the recordings of the child’s interview with the Child Protection Team (CPT) to ensure that leading questions or improper techniques were not used.
• Proving Lack of Intent: If the touching was accidental or for a non-sexual purpose (such as medical care or accidental contact), we fight to show the lack of "lewd or lascivious" intent.
• Constitutional Protections: We move to suppress any evidence obtained through illegal searches or coerced confessions that violate your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights.

Talk To Our Team Today

If you are facing a child molestation allegation, you do not have to guess about your rights, your risks, or your options. A confidential conversation with our attorneys can give you clarity about the process in Clermont and Lake County and a concrete plan for what comes next.

Call (888) 835-5840 to speak with our defense team now.