"Romeo & Juliet" Law

In 2007, Florida passed what is commonly referred to as a “Romeo and Juliet” law. It is called a Romeo and Juliet law because it primarily addresses consensual sexual encounters with a minor when both parties were close in age, similar to Shakespeare’s famous star-crossed lovers. The law allows individuals convicted of specific sex crimes to petition the court to avoid sex-offender or sexual predator designation. 

Once petition is made, it is entirely within the discretion of the court to grant or deny the petition. There are no guarantees. An experienced attorney can help with the petition. The Law office of Sean Clayton, P.A., will gladly consult anyone in Florida, statewide, with offices in the Broward County and Palm Beach County area who would like to petition the court with the process. Give us a call for your free consultation.

ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE “ROMEO AND JULIET” LAW IN FLORIDA

Under Florida Statute 943.04354, a person’s case must meet the following requirements to be eligible to petition for removal from the sex offender registration laws:

(1) The petitioner has to be seeking relief for a qualifying sex offense;

(2) The crime involved a consensual sexual encounter with a 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 year old minor;

(3) The petitioner was no more than four (4) years older than the minor at the time of the sexual encounter;

(4) Registration as a sexual offender or predator is solely because of the conviction for which the offender is petitioning;

(5) The petitioner has no other convictions for a Lewd or Lascivious Offense, Sexual Battery, violation of the Sexual Performance by a Child law, or Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition using a Computer.

If you want to find out if you qualify and would like to petition the court, call our office. We offer free consultations. Call us now to set up an appointment.