Brandon, FL asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for Florida

Q: can I go to jail for sexual harassment in Florida

3 Lawyer Answers
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: No. While "sexual harassment" depending on how it's defined, may sometimes involve civil liability, it doesn't constitute a crime as such, unlike such crimes as sexual battery, etc.

Bruce Alexander Minnick agrees with this answer

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Answered
  • Tallahassee, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: There are many different forms of "sexual harassment." Most forms do not involve any physical touching, like leering at women, making unwanted sexual comments, telling crude sexual jokes where others are present and other similar unwelcome acts committed in the workplace. However, some forms of sexual harassment involve unwanted physical touching, like intentionally bumping into someone in a sexual manner, massaging someone's neck or shoulders, touching or grabbing other body parts and licking or kissing someone against their will.

Most if not all of these physical acts of sexual harassment can also constitute criminal sexual battery--which, BTW--do not have to happen in a workplace.

Roger P. Foley
PREMIUM
Roger P. Foley pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • West Palm Beach, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Probably not but it makes you a donkey. Don't do it. You will lose your job, be shamed on social media and possibly be sued. Think about ramification before acting/speaking.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.