An experienced Broward criminal attorney handles all kinds of criminal defense, including crimes that spark tremendous outrage. Broward criminal defense lawyer believes that every criminal defendant deserves to make his best defense. The community outrage may stem from the viciousness of the crime or the vulnerability of the victim. A Delray Beach attack a few days ago has the Fort Lauderdale community up in arms for both reasons.
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, a young pregnant woman was attacked in Delray Beach on January 19. Police have indicated that the girl, who is 17 years old and was eight months pregnant at the time, was walking on the sidewalk of Southeast 7th Street in Delray Beach. At about 8:20 in the evening, a man she did not know walked up, approaching from behind the girl.
The man grabbed the girl’s arm, yanking her roughly into nearby bushes. The girl resisted, but the man threatened to become more violent. The girl cooperated with the man’s demands because she was afraid for her own safety and the well-being of her child.
Immediately following the Broward County attack, the pregnant teen called the Delray Beach police. Law enforcement officials quickly identified Steven A. Weaver, who is a 35-year-old resident of Cleveland, Ohio, as the prime suspect. The victim identified Weaver from a line-up of photographs the day following the attack.
Weaver returned to Cleveland on January 20, the day after the sexual assault. Delray Beach issued a warrant for his arrest on January 31 and he was taken into custody by Cleveland police officers. Local law enforcement officers traveled to Cleveland to interview Weaver and escort him back to Florida. Weaver reportedly confessed to sexually assaulting the girl and indicated that he came to Broward County on vacation, “to get away.” He has been charged with robbery as well as sexual battery and remains in custody.
The attack took place on the 100 block of Southeast 7th Street, shown on a map below:
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A sex crime conviction has long-term consequences. The state requires individuals who have been convicted of sexual battery to register as sex offenders. The felony conviction also results in the loss of the right to vote and to possess a firearm. If you have been accused of a sex offense, contact Broward criminal defense attorney William Moore as soon as possible to discuss your rights.
Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer William Moore has experience in all kinds of criminal defense, including sex crimes. A conviction for a felony or misdemeanor can have consequences on your freedom, your employment, and your personal life. If you have been charged with a crime in Florida, contact William Moore, P.A., which is an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale-Dade, Broward, and Fort Lauderdale Counties.
This article should be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice nor as implied representation of any person. For questions, contact the criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale at William Moore, P.A.