Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
The case of a former Turkey Creek Middle School teacher accused of having a sex with a 15-year-old student will not go to trial.
The Brandon woman accepted a plea deal Monday. She received five years in Florida state prison, two years of community control (GPS monitoring), followed by 15 years’ probation.
The woman was arrested and charged with sexual battery, lewd and lascivious battery and lewd conduct in February 2015.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the woman established a relationship with the teenager, who was a student in her classroom.
Deputies claim the relationship turned physical with the woman having sex with the boy at the school during school hours and once in his bedroom.
The woman will also have to register as a sex offender.
The decision to take your chances with a jury or to negotiate a deal with prosecutors is never easy when you are faced with a criminal offense. A Hillsborough County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence along with the potential penalties for a conviction. In most cases, we can attempt to work out a deal to avoid or minimize prison time. As former prosecutors, we know how to evaluate the judge and the DA involved in your case, which means we can prepare a powerful strategy accordingly.
As for whether you should take a deal, it all depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. We can certainly give you a realistic breakdown of what your chances at trial would likely be and whether you would be better off accepting a plea bargain. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but it is not something that should be taken lightly.
If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa or the surrounding areas, please call us today at 813-221-3200 or contact us online for a free consultation.