Orlando Attorney Experienced in Defending Against Sex Crime Charges

Protecting the rights of clients facing tumultuous consequences

Being accused of a sex offense can turn your life upside-down. A conviction often carries a substantial prison sentence and required registration as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Even if you are found to be innocent, you can have a terrible time restoring your reputation. For all these reasons, you must retain an attorney with the experience, knowledge and determination to put forth the best defense possible. When you contact The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A., you get capable counsel to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Representing Central Florida defendants against full gamut of sex-offense charges

For more than 27 years, Tad A. Yates has defended individuals accused of state and federal sex crimes. He is prepared to manage your defense in cases of:

  • Sexual battery — Florida law defines sexual battery as “oral, anal, or vaginal penetration” by an offender’s sexual organs or “any other object.” Sexual battery can be charged as a first degree, life, or capital felony depending on the age, status and capacity of the victim and whether the offense was committed with violence.
  • Statutory rape — Sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent, which in Florida is 18 years old is a sexual battery in Florida. However, there is a close-in-age exception that a person not older than 24 to legally engage in sexual activity with a minor of at least 16 years of age.
  • Sexual misconduct with the developmentally disabled— Florida law protects institutionalized individuals from sexual predation by workers, contractors or volunteers in facilities governed by state agencies. The offense is a second degree felony and consent of the victim is not a defense.
  • Child molestation — Lewd and lascivious molestation is sexual touching between a defendant and a minor that does not involve penetration. Penalties vary from three to 15 years in prison depending on the age of the victim and of the defendant.
  • Lewd or lascivious battery — An adult who engages in “sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age” commits a second degree felony. If becomes a first-degree penalty if the offender is 18 or older and has previously been convicted of a similar act.
  • Internet child pornography — Florida and federal law make it illegal to create, possess or distribute sexual images of children.
  • Unlawful use of the Internet — Any person who knowingly uses the Internet to engage in sexual conduct with a child (or a person they believe to be a child) or to gain a guardian’s consent for sexual conduct with a child is guilty of a third degree felony.
  • Traveling to meet a minor — Florida law prohibits any person from traveling within, or out of the state for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor or another person believed to be a minor. This is a second degree felony.
  • Cybersex with a minor — Lewd or lascivious exhibition occurs when a person uses a computer to perform sexual activity with a victim who is less than 16 years of age. An adult offender is charged with a second degree felony. A juvenile who commits the offense with another may be charged with a third degree felony.

Mr. Yates has ample experience vigorously defending these types of cases and is aware of the stigma that a sex offense charge or conviction can carry. An arrest is a public record and the release of a defendant’s name can destroy job prospects, relationships and the reputation of a person falsely accused of a sex crime. Having an attorney by your side during all stages in the investigation — even prior to an arrest — is crucial to protect your rights. If law enforcement or the state Department of Children and Families contact you, call an attorney immediately before you agree to any meeting.

Dealing with possible sex offender registration

Convicted individuals who are designated as sexual predators or sexual offenders must register their address with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement each year and every time they move. The public has access to this online database, exposing the registrants to scorn and hostility long after they have served the sentence imposed upon them. These and other serious restrictions can ravage one’s family life, job prospects and educational opportunities.

When your liberty is on the line, call an experienced Central Florida attorney for a consultation

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. is experienced at raising strong defenses to sex-offense charges and at pursuing all avenues of negotiation to avoid the drastic consequences of conviction. Call us at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah