Offenses Related to Voyeurism
Under Florida law, voyeurism is a criminal act classified under the broader category of trespassing. While voyeurism may seem like only a minor infraction to the perpetrator, it is considered a serious violation of privacy and is a criminal offense that may be prosecuted aggressively under the law. Like trespassing, voyeurism involves encroaching upon a person’s property and privacy, even if this only occurs in a visual sense.
Any person who secretly watches, with lewd or indecent intent, another individual who is inside of a structure or vehicle believed to offer privacy is guilty of voyeurism.
Charges and Penalties
Voyeurism is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor in the state of Florida. A conviction can lead to the following court-ordered penalties:
- Up to 1 year imprisonment
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If the arrested offender has a history of voyeurism and has been convicted for the offense two or more times, the charge may be elevated to a third-degree felony. The penalties for a felony conviction are much more serious and may include:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Registration as a felon
Even a single voyeurism conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. In addition to the court-ordered penalties, a criminal conviction can harm your personal and professional reputation. You may have trouble finding or keeping a job, maintaining relationships, or applying for a loan. If you have been charged with voyeurism, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to begin preparing your defense for court.
Contact Us
For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your voyeurism offense or other criminal charges, contact the Boca Raton criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., today at 561-353-2800.
