Tampa Sex Crimes Attorneys are often asked questions about the calculations of one’s sentence based on their Florida score sheet. As we’ve discussed elsewhere in our Tampa Sex Crimes Attorneys blog, Florida utilizes a score sheet system to determine the minimum of one’s sentence, while Florida law dictates the maximum. If you have further questions about Florida’s scoresheet system, we have additional articles on our blog. This is why Florida is knows to have “topless” sentencing guidelines. In short, sexual injury points relate to either penetration or contact associated with sexual acts, which an individual is accused of. Florida Statute Section 921.0024 provides the statutory basis for Florida’s scoresheet system.
There are two (2) types of sexual injury assessed on Florida’s score sheets – sexual penetration and sexual contact. Sexual penetration adds an additional 80 points, an incredible increase on a score sheet. Obviously, penetration speaks for itself with regards to a sexual related crime.
Contact adds an additional 40 points to one’s Florida scoresheet. Contact is primarily defined as a union of sexual organs and sexual or sexual touching without any penetration. It is worth noting though, that other injury points, which we discuss elsewhere in our Tampa criminal defense attorney blog can be assessed in addition to these injury points related to the sexual contact. For example, if an individual is struck resulting in severe injury as part of sexual penetration. The Assistant State Attorney preparing the score sheet can assess both penetration and severe injury points on the score sheet. Obviously, this would result in a significant increase in the minimum sentence associated with the charge. As we tell individuals, injury points are one of the more frustrating and difficult things for folks to accept and understand as part of the sentencing structure. Injury points are often a critical part of negotiations with the State Attorney’s Office when trying to resolve a criminal case involving these sorts of enhancements.
If you have questions concerning a Florida score sheet, preparation of a score sheet and/or criminal defense matters in general, contact the Tampa Sex Crimes Attorneys of Hackworth Law for a free case consultation. We will sit down with you to discuss an effective, efficient and aggressive strategy to defend against the criminal allegations which have been lodged against you. If you’d like to contact one of our Tampa Sex Crimes Attorneys immediately, please use the “contact us now” tab in the upper right hand corner of our website. We also have folks standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we can immediately speak to you. We appreciate you taking the time to check out or Tampa Sex Crimes Attorneys’ blog and we look forward to working with you in the future.