Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Jacksonville residents and people elsewhere have heard of cases of "peeping toms" and those who look into your home from near or a far. But many do not know that videotaping another, or simply walking in on another can constitute a Jacksonville Voyeurism Criminal Offense. Furthermore, a misunderstanding as to the circumstances can lead to false accusations and arrests. In addition, as a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer I have been asked what is Voyeurism and what penalties could be imposed if convicted?

The crime of Voyeurism is defined within Florida Statute § 810.14, which states a person commits Voyeurism when:

1. With lewd, lascivious, or indecent intent


2. Secretly observes another person


3. When the other person is located in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance


4. And such location provides a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Additionally, the first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines not exceeding $1000. However, any additional convictions for Jacksonville Voyeurism constitute a 3rd-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines not exceeding $5,000.

But what does all this mean for a Jacksonville Criminal Defendant? It means several things. First, just because you have been charged does not mean you will be convicted. Second, the State is obligated to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, a high standard. Third, the State must prove every element of the criminal offense; therefore, if the observation was not done secretly or without the proper intent, this could prevent a conviction for Voyeurism. Finally, the advice and counsel of a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer could prove advantageous to a Jacksonville Criminal Defendant.

Voyeurism is a serious criminal offense and the penalties can be quite severe. Therefore, if you or a loved one are facing Voyeurism charges or any Jacksonville Criminal charges, contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer to discuss your case, protect your rights, and make the proper determination in moving forward.

Michael Fiorelli was arrested in Jacksonville, Florida for voyeurism and violation of his probation. Employees of a Jacksonville Kohl's store caught Fiorelli going in the dressing room of the women's inmates department. They were able to obtain his license plate number, and they gave this to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Thereafter, a woman was in the ladies' restroom at the Marriott when "all of a sudden, she heard what sounded like someone standing on and slipping off of the toilet seat in the stall next to her... the man ran out of the bathroom." The woman was able to obtain the man's license plate number. (News4Jax)

The police contacted Fiorelli's Jacksonville probation officer and confirmed that he was at the Marriott. He was arrested for Jacksonville Voyeurism in 2004 and 2007. In the 2007 case, he was placed on felony probation. Due to this 2011 Jacksonville arrest, he is also facing a violation of his probation along with the new felony charges.

As a Jacksonville Criminal Lawyer, I was asked by Jacksonville First Coast News to comment on a Mandarin "peeping tom" case. After being informed of the Jacksonville "Peeping Tom" conduct and the Mandarin Families Frightened By the Peeping Tom, I determined that the suspect may be charged with a variety of Jacksonville criminal offenses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding each individual incident, he may be charged with voyeurism, trespass, or stalking.

Jacksonville voyeurism is governed by Florida Statute Section 810.14. Voyeurism occurs when a person:

1. has a lewd, lascivious, or indecent intent;
2. secretly observes another person; and 
3. the person being observed is in a place where he or she has a reasonable expectation of privacy.