Crimes Against Minors
Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Few legal matters are as serious and emotionally charged as crimes involving minors. Whether you have been accused of a crime against a child or you are seeking justice for a minor who has been harmed, the legal process can be overwhelming and confusing. Florida law takes allegations involving children very seriously, and even an accusation can ruin reputations, destroy careers, and lead to life-altering consequences.
At Bastos Defense, we understand that not every accusation is based on the truth. Some cases involve misunderstandings, false allegations, or exaggerated claims, while others result from wrongful identification or misleading evidence. We also recognize that children who have been victims of crimes deserve strong legal advocacy to ensure they receive the justice and protection they need. Our firm is committed to defending the rights of the accused while also advocating for child victims, providing experienced legal representation in these complex cases.
To speak with an attorney at our firm, contact us at (727) 353-6842 or submit an online form here and a member of our team will be in touch.
Our firm represents individuals accused of offenses involving minors while also helping families seek justice for children who have been harmed. These cases require a careful legal strategy, as even the accusation alone can carry social and professional consequences.
- Child Abuse and Neglect – Allegations of physical harm, emotional abuse, or neglect can come from misunderstandings, false reports, or exaggerated claims. Innocent parents, teachers, and caregivers are sometimes wrongfully accused without real evidence.
- Sexual Offenses Involving Minors – Charges like child pornography, online solicitation, or sexual battery come with harsh penalties, including mandatory sex offender registration and long prison sentences. Many individuals accused of these crimes were unaware of illegal content on their devices or were targeted in sting operations.
- False Allegations in Custody Disputes – Some accusations happen during divorce or child custody battles, where one parent falsely accuses the other to gain an advantage in court. We work to expose false claims and protect parental rights.
- Internet Crimes Against Minors – Innocent people can be accused of inappropriate online activity due to misinterpreted messages, images, or internet searches. Some are victims of online entrapment or hacking, leading to wrongful criminal charges.
- Juvenile Defense for Minors Accused of Crimes – Teenagers make mistakes, but a criminal charge should not ruin their future. We fight to keep juvenile cases in family court and work toward rehabilitation programs instead of harsh sentencing.
Our firm also represents children who are victims of crimes, working with families to pursue restraining orders, file charges against offenders, and ensure the legal system provides the protection they need.
What Sets Us Apart? Defense That Delivers
Get A Former Prosecutor On Your Side
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Elite Experience
María Bastos is a former statewide prosecutor with a track record of handling complex, multi-county cases.
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Client-First Advocacy
Our selective caseload ensures every client gets personalized attention and a strong legal strategy.
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Fierce & Compassionate
We're tough in the courtroom, but deeply committed to guiding clients through criminal defense and family law matters with care.
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Justice-Driven
We are passionate about defending the accused and advocating for victims when possible, always fighting for what’s right.
Understanding the Consequences of Crimes Against Minors
The penalties for crimes involving minors in Florida are among the most severe. Even without physical harm, a conviction can have lifelong consequences, including:
- Long Prison Sentences – Felony charges may result in mandatory minimum sentences and decades in prison.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration – Some convictions require lifetime registration, restricting where you can live, work, and travel.
- Loss of Parental Rights – Allegations can lead to custody loss, supervised visitation, or permanent parental rights termination.
- Employment and Housing Restrictions – Background checks may limit job opportunities, housing, and professional licensing.
- Public and Social Stigma – Even false accusations can destroy reputations, relationships, and community standing.
How We Defend the Accused and Protect Victims
Our firm handles both defense cases and victim representation, ensuring that justice is served on both sides. We provide a thorough investigation of the facts, challenge weak evidence, and present a compelling defense.
- Exposing False Accusations: Many accusations stem from misunderstandings, personal disputes, or false claims. We uncover inconsistencies to prove when accusations lack credibility.
- Analyzing Digital Evidence: Cybercrimes involving minors rely on electronic records, metadata, and digital forensics. We challenge unreliable evidence and fight for due process.
- Protecting Victims of Exploitation: We assist families and minors in pursuing legal protection, restraining orders, and criminal charges against abusers.
- Negotiating Reduced Charges: In cases where rehabilitation is a better solution than punishment, we seek alternative sentencing options such as probation, therapy, or diversion programs.
- Fighting to Keep Cases in Juvenile Court: If a minor is accused of a crime, we work to prevent them from being tried as an adult, which could lead to harsher penalties and a permanent criminal record.
Each case is unique, which is why we create personalized defense strategies based on the facts, evidence, and circumstances.
Whether you have been wrongfully accused or need legal protection for a child, we can help. Call (727) 353-6842 or send us a message online to discuss your options.
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"Nothing Short of Amazing"Maria is nothing short of amazing! I am so glad I hired her. She went above and beyond! She is very efficient and kept me up to speed every step of the way. I highly recommend Maria to fight for your rights!- Danielle B.
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"Would definitely recommend her to anyone"I have known Maria a very long time and would definitely recommend her to anyone who needed an effective, timely, and experienced defense attorney.- Ellie C.
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"She Came In Swinging"Maria came in swinging! From the first phone call she had a plan. Top notch defense attorney, more than fair rate. 10/10 would recommend. She is now locked in.- Erica B.
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"Let Maria fight for you!"Maria's drive, dedication, and compassion, coupled with her extensive experience as a statewide prosecutor, make her an exceptional candidate for your legal needs. She is prepared to stand up for your rights. Let Maria fight for you!- Lelia A.
At Bastos Defense, you get a fierce advocate on your side, with a compassionate and personalized approach to client care.
