Have You Been Accused of a Sex Crime?

Few charges carry as much stigma—or as many life-altering consequences—as sex crimes. Even before a conviction, an accusation alone can upend your life. You may be facing public judgment, job loss, family strain, and fear about what’s next. If you’ve found yourself in this position, know this: you have the right to be defended, and you deserve a defense that treats you like a human being.

My name is Kathleen Bogenschutz, I’m a defense attorney. I have built a reputation across Tallahassee, Destin, and North Florida for defending clients in the most serious, high-stakes cases. I bring not only a strategic legal mind but a grounded, judgment-free presence. I understand that every story is more complicated than a police report—and that justice starts with listening. I’m here to protect your rights and help you make informed, thoughtful decisions about your future.

Types of Sex Crimes I Defend

Florida law includes a wide range of offenses under the umbrella of sex crimes, many of which are felonies with mandatory sentencing guidelines and potential lifelong consequences.

I defend clients facing charges such as:

• Sexual battery (rape)
• Online solicitation or exploitation
• Possession or distribution of child pornography
• Failure to register as a sex offender
• Sexual battery
• Sexual battery, great force (including with weapons like guns or knives)
• Lewd or lascivious battery
• Lewd or lascivious molestation
• Lewd or lascivious conduct
• Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors
• Solicitation of a minor
• Traveling to meet a minor
• Transmitting harmful material to minors
• Sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority
  
  

These cases often involve sensitive allegations, complex evidence (such as digital records or forensic reports), and emotionally charged courtroom environments. I am skilled in navigating both the legal and personal challenges these cases bring.

What Are the Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Florida?

Sex crime convictions in Florida are among the most severe. Depending on the charge, you could face:

• Years to life in prison
• Death sentence.  Recently the Florida legislature permitted the State to seek a death sentence for the crime of sexual battery on a person under the age of 12.  While a death sentence on a non-homicide case has been found to be unconstitutional by previous United States Supreme Courts, this new statute has yet to be tested at the appellate level and it remains active law in the state of Florida.
• Mandatory sex offender or predator registration
• Loss of custody or parental rights
• Significant fines and restitution
• Permanent restrictions on where you can live or work
• Destruction of your reputation and relationships
• Possible yearly polygraphs
• Psychosexual evaluations with invasive testing equipment
• Registration also necessarily places your offense, photo, and arrest on the internet for all to see.
  
  

Sex offender registration, in particular, can last a lifetime and limit nearly every aspect of your life—from housing to employment to travel. That’s why having an experienced defense attorney is so critical from the very beginning.

Sex offender registration

It is highly likely if you are charged with an offense that requires you to register as a sex offender, that this may be the biggest factor in negotiating your case.  Florida has two different levels of registration that are triggered by the type of charge.  There is a predator designation for anyone who is convicted of a first-degree felony sex charge or a first-degree felony in conjunction with a sex crime. This requires more stringent registration requirements than merely being listed as an offender.  

Jessica Lunsford Act

If a person is convicted of a sex offense involving a victim 15 years of age or younger, the Jessica Lunsford Act may require you to wear an electronic monitor during the time you are on supervision.  Not only is this a major life encumbrance, but it represents a common way of violating probation, even without intending to do so.  Monitors malfunction, lose their power, run out of power in the middle of the night, or, occasionally, are left at the home of a family member, in a car, or on a bus.  All of these are common ways to violate probation or community control for someone subject to the Jessica Lunsford Act.

Jimmy Ryce Act

Florida has passed civil commitment for sexual offenders and predators.  This involves a hearing wherein the department of children and families moves to civilly commit someone who has been convicted of a sex offense in the past.  This confinement is in a civil commitment facility and can be indefinite.  These are rarely pursued by the DCF unless there are egregious facts, but any person who is charged with a sex offense should be aware of the law and know that they will be advised of this act at the time of sentencing.  In fact, a crime need only be sexually motivated (as opposed to a sex offense) to qualify for a Jimmy Ryce review.  Practically speaking, however, a very low percentage of people who are designated sex offenders and/or predators are actually at risk for this kind of confinement.

Getting off the Sex Offender Registry

Pursuant to Florida Statute 943.0435(11) permits a person to petition for removal from the sex offender registry if he or she has been lawfully released from confinement, supervision, or sanction, whichever is later, for at least 25 years.  There are also other important caveats in that statute, but it is important to recognize the time requirement of 25 years on the registry prior to seeking out an attorney.

Building a Defense

Sex crime cases require a careful, strategic approach. I take the time to understand your side of the story and identify any legal, evidentiary, or procedural weaknesses in the state’s case. I treat you with respect and dignity while working tirelessly to protect your freedom and your future.

Her approach may include:

• Conducting a thorough review of digital, physical, or forensic evidence
  
  
• Investigating motives for false or exaggerated allegations
  
  
• Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
  
  
• Exploring potential defenses such as mistaken identity or lack of intent
  
  
• Negotiating for reduced charges when possible, usually focused on charges that will not require registration as a sex offender or predator.
  
  
• Preparing a strong trial defense if needed
  
  

I will walk you through each step, explain your rights and options clearly, and help you navigate one of the most difficult experiences a person can face.

Discreet, Nonjudgmental Legal Help Starts Here

Being charged with a sex offense does not make you less deserving of care, guidance, or a fair trial. Bogenschutz PLLC handles these cases with professionalism, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting clients’ rights. I know how heavy the weight of these accusations can be—and I’m here to carry that weight with you.

If you or a loved one is facing a sex crime allegation in Tallahassee or anywhere in North Florida, don’t wait to seek help. The earlier you contact an attorney, the more options you may have.

Call (850)273-8327 today for a confidential consultation, or fill out the form below to get started.

We’ll face this together.

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