Internet-Based Sex Crime Charges Are Serious
While any sex crime can lead to serious legal consequences, tech-based sex crimes come with unique stakes. Often, allegations of an internet sex crime fall under federal statutes that result in mandatory minimum prison sentences and enormous sentencing guidelines ranges of imprisonment. Additionally, anyone with otherwise sensitive information on their personal devices, such as client information or proprietary secrets, can find those devices seized.
With such a high-stakes situation, you need to know your attorney has the experience and skill to represent you. At The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A., attorney Mark Rankin has decades of experience providing thorough, meticulous criminal defense to individuals facing criminal charges at the federal level. He can provide you with the information you need to make smart decisions.
High-Stakes Charges Demand Skilled Representation
Mark Rankin has intervened and defended people across the Greater Tampa Bay area and beyond for a variety of federal crimes. He understands the stress and uncertainty of people facing allegations of crimes such as:
- Child pornography
- Revenge porn
- Stalking
- Child enticement
- Cyberstalking
- Sex trafficking
While many of these crimes have a “real life” component, often the original touchpoint or a serious portion of the activity took place online.
The Double-Edged Sword Of Online Anonymity
When you work online, when you live online, when a large portion of your life is in the digital space, you get comfortable with a certain level of anonymity. Law enforcement uses internet anonymity to manipulate and entrap individuals frequently.
Anyone implicated in crime because of the actions of law enforcement can use that fact in their defense. Entrapment is an illegal tactic, but it can be difficult to prove. Mark Rankin has the experience and skill to help you in this pursuit.
Answers To Common Questions About Internet Sex Crime Charges In Florida
Facing internet sex crime allegations often leads to overwhelming questions and uncertainty about one’s future. These cases can be daunting because they involve serious federal laws and penalties that can change your life, and many do not know where to turn for reliable answers during this challenging time. Below, Mr. Rankin answers the questions he hears most often from clients who want to understand their rights and options. His experience helps clients make sense of their situation and find the best path forward.
Can you get in trouble for what you search online?
Yes, in certain circumstances, online searches can become relevant in legal investigations, particularly if they relate to illegal content or activities. While most everyday internet browsing is perfectly legal, law enforcement may obtain warrants to review search histories when investigating specific crimes. Nevertheless, internet records are typically only examined when there is already a legal investigation underway for specific reasons. Understanding your digital privacy rights is important, and Mr. Rankin helps clients navigate these complex issues with clear, practical guidance.
Do police need a warrant to access your search history?
Police typically need a search warrant approved by a judge to access your complete search history. To get this, they need to show probable cause – credible evidence suggesting your searches might connect to a crime. In some cases, authorities may instead use a subpoena, which does not require probable cause but only gives them access to more limited information. These legal requirements serve as important protections for your digital privacy rights under the Constitution. As your legal ally, Mr. Rankin will fight to make sure authorities follow these rules and challenge any improper attempts to access your private information.
Move Quickly To Protect Your Rights
It is imperative for your lawyer to move quickly to a bond hearing to protect your rights. Mark Rankin is intimately familiar with this process and will diligently and thoroughly work to protect you at every stage. Get a meeting with him today by calling 877-620-0898 or sending an email.