Sexual Predators

Sexual Predators

Introduction

The paper investigates criminal laws regarding sexual predators within the state of Florida. In the light of Florida laws, the paper provides crimes that are categorized as sexual predators and related punishments. Moreover, the paper inspects nature of law verdict on such crime cases and basic requirements of prosecution. Additionally, the paper provides personal opinion on the statue(s) initiatives and legislative steps to prohibit sexual predators. Finally, a conclusion is drawn to sum up the acquired knowledge on sexual predator laws of Florida.

Discussion

According to Office of Economic and Demographic Research (2006), female offenders in the US have been outnumbered by male offenders where male offenders have been responsible for 80.5% identified offenses. Statistics (figure 1) revealed that 98.3% sex offenses were convicted by men during the period of 2002-2004 (Office of Economic and Demographic Research, 2006).

Figure 1: Statistics of Sentenced Offenders by Age during 2002-2004 (Office of Economic and Demographic Research, 2006, p. 4)

Florida's Laws to Prohibit Predatory

According to Florida statues, a sexual offender is someone who makes use of brutality and violence (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2004). In the light of section 775 clause 21 (3), a repeat sexual offender who may pose serious threat to the safety of general public and children is a sexual predator (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2004).

According to state law, there are three conditions or situations that qualify a person to be labeled as sexual predator (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2004):

One is Enough - If a person has been condemned of a qualified crime on or after 1st October, 1993

Second Strike - A person who is already convicted of a qualifying felony and then commends another offense within jurisdiction of the state of Florida or any other jurisdiction, on or after 1st October, 1993

Designated Criminal - A person who was nominated as a vicious sexual predator in accordance with the proceedings of a civil commitment must be judged as a sexual predator

Types of Crimes

Within the state of Florida, there are various laws to prohibit and designate an offender, as a sexual predator. Criminal activities that qualify for 'One is Enough' are categorized as first degree, life or capital misdemeanors (Sammis & Sammis, 2012). For instance, kidnapping that involved a minor where defendant was not parent of the victim or a minor's trade (buying or selling) to be portrayed in visual portrayals that may engage in an explicit sexual demeanor, under section 847.014 (Florida e-regulations, 2011).

In addition to these, crimes that involve tempting a child or a child's sexual performance (section 827.071) are classified as secondary and serious felonies. In the state of Florida, a person might be deemed as a sexual predator only if he commits at least two of the qualifying offenses (Florida e-regulations, 2011).

Punishments for Predatory Crimes

The Criminal Punishment Code or Florida Statues have provided clarity on several aspects of punishments in order to designate fair punishment to convicts of this severe crime (Sage, 2003). Since sexual predators are convicted for severe and violent felonies there are ...