Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

How does a case of sexual assult get proceesed in Sarasota, Florida? What Court (state, county, ect...) and what are the next steps now that the court has filed the papers? He is being charged with sexual assult and kidnapping.

When my boyfriend and I were dating he kept me at his home one night, we had sex and he would not let me leave until the morning. After we broke up a month and a half later I filed the police report. I have spoke with the spark agency and am told since I am not a legal citizen here I will beable to get citizenship since I am a victim of a crime.

Any information would be appreciated as I've tried to look it all up on line and have not been able to figure out how to do so.

I also am told he could be looking at a life sentence based on the charges and his record. Did I do the right thing?


Asked on 8/11/12, 5:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eric Trabin Lucid Legal, PLLC

The case gets reported to law enforcement, usually the police. The police will take statements from the victim and any witnesses. Then they will try to get a statement from the suspect but usually regardless of what he does or says they will arrest him. The police then submit all of their paperwork to the state attorney who then files official charges. The court will set the case for additional court dates and it will proceed through the judicial system.

You being a victim will not affect your immigration status.

He is facing extremely serious charges and faces a lifetime of consequences. Whether it was the right thing is something only you can know.

Read more
Answered on 8/12/12, 6:58 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Florida