Child Molestation Your Future is Worth the Fight

Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Defense Built on the Inside Knowledge of a Former State Prosecutor

A charge under Florida Statute 800.04 carries consequences that can define the rest of your life. Before founding Bastos Defense, Attorney María Bastos prosecuted these exact cases for the Florida Attorney General, handling complex, multi-defendant, multi-circuit matters involving crimes against children, child pornography, traveling to meet a minor, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. She also served as a state attorney in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

Under Florida Statute 800.04, lewd or lascivious molestation occurs when a person intentionally touches the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks of a person under 16 in a lewd or lascivious manner, or forces or entices that person to make such contact. When Attorney Bastos examines the case against you, she does so with direct knowledge of how the state builds these charges and where they’re vulnerable.

If you or someone you care about is facing a lewd or lascivious molestation allegation in St. Petersburg or anywhere in Pinellas County, contact Bastos Defense now at (727) 800-0529 before you say anything further to investigators.

Fierce Defense, Compassionate Guidance

The philosophy at Bastos Defense is “Where Fierce Defense Meets Compassionate Care.” These charges are overwhelming. They affect your freedom, your family, your career, and your reputation all at once. We maintain a selective caseload precisely so clients receive honest legal guidance and the personalized attention a case this serious demands.

Attorney Bastos has litigated numerous jury trials, non-jury trials, and motions, achieving favorable verdicts. Born in Costa Rica and fluent in both Spanish and English, she serves St. Petersburg’s diverse community directly. Full legal services are available in Spanish (Hablamos Español), with no interpreters involved in confidential discussions.

Penalties Under Florida Statute 800.04

Florida classifies lewd or lascivious molestation along two primary variables: the ages of the offender and the alleged victim. The range is severe.

Life felony: Offender 18 or older, alleged victim under 12
Second-degree felony: Offender under 18 and alleged victim under 12, or offender 18 or older and alleged victim between 12 and 15
Third-degree felony: Offender under 18 and alleged victim between 12 and 15
First-degree felony: Offender 18 or older with an alleged victim between 12 and 15 and a qualifying prior conviction

Prison time is only part of what a conviction brings. Florida law generally bars lewd or lascivious molestation offenses from being sealed or expunged, even when adjudication is withheld. Mandatory sex offender registration follows a conviction, with lasting consequences for where you can live and work. Under the statute, neither the alleged victim’s consent nor lack of chastity constitutes a legal defense.

How We Approach the Defense

No two of these cases are identical, and the defense strategy follows the specific facts. Attorney Bastos’s prosecutorial background means she knows what evidence the state considers essential and how that evidence is assembled, which shapes how we examine everything from the initial report through the investigation.

False allegations in these cases are not rare. They frequently arise from custody disputes, coaching of a child by an adult, or a misinterpreted innocent touch. Investigating the accuser’s motive and the circumstances of the original disclosure is central to that line of defense. We also examine whether forensic interviews of the alleged child victim followed proper protocol and identify any constitutional or procedural violations during the investigation, challenging weak evidence at every stage.

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Your Fight Is Our Fight

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What Sets Us Apart? Defense That Delivers

Get A Former Prosecutor On Your Side

Elite Experience

María Bastos is a former statewide prosecutor with a track record of handling complex, multi-county cases.
Client-First Advocacy

Our selective caseload ensures every client gets personalized attention and a strong legal strategy.
Fierce & Compassionate

We're tough in the courtroom, but deeply committed to guiding clients through criminal defense and family law matters with care.
Justice-Driven

We are passionate about defending the accused and advocating for victims when possible, always fighting for what’s right.

Where Pinellas County Cases Are Prosecuted

Felony charges arising in Pinellas County, including lewd or lascivious molestation, are handled at the Pinellas County Justice Center in Clearwater, part of Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. Knowing the court’s procedures, local judges, and the prosecutors who handle these matters is not a minor advantage. Our familiarity with the Pinellas County court system can help clients avoid costly delays and procedural missteps that can damage a defense.

Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief

An unfavorable trial outcome or an unaddressed constitutional violation doesn’t necessarily end the case. Bastos Defense handles complex post-conviction relief matters, including appeals through Florida’s appellate courts and challenges to convictions or sentences when new evidence emerges or constitutional violations are discovered. Our knowledge of Florida’s appellate courts means this work is handled with the same level of preparation we bring to trial.

What to Do If You’re Under Investigation

An investigation can begin long before an arrest. Detectives may reach out, request a “voluntary” interview, or contact people close to you. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present before and during any questioning. Exercise that right. Anything said to investigators without counsel present can be used to build the case against you.

Early involvement by defense counsel is important in lewd or lascivious molestation cases. The earlier we can examine the facts, identify evidentiary weaknesses, and assess how the investigation is being conducted, the more strategic options may remain available. Don’t wait for formal charges before contacting us.

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Recognized Advocacy in St. Petersburg

Attorney María Bastos has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by Tampa Magazine (2026), reflecting a consistent standard of preparation and advocacy for clients facing serious felony charges.

Facing a Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Charge? Contact Us Now.

The decisions made in the first hours and days after an allegation shape everything that follows. We’re ready to review your situation, answer your questions honestly, and provide a defense grounded in direct knowledge of how the state prosecutes these cases. We offer full legal services in English and Spanish, and we maintain a selective caseload so your case receives the focused attention it requires.

Call (727) 800-0529 to speak directly with our team.

Read Reviews

"Excellent Defense Attorney"
Maria Bastos is an excellent defense attorney. She is professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares about her clients. She explained everything clearly and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible results. I highly recommend her.

- Alondra R.
"The Absolute Best!!"
Maria is the absolute best. She’s super easy to work with. And definitely goes the extra mile or should I say miles for her clients. From long talks on the phone. To hunting down your prosecutor to set up times to delegate with them. My last case was picked up by her when my original lawyer had left the office, she in almost no time got me the result I was looking for. You would think that because it was just a case thrown at her already started by someone else it would not mean as much to her. But I never got those vibes from her once. She’s great at making everything taking place in your case translated into to plane English. She will be my lawyer for life.

- Dylan A.
"Highly Impressed"
Very impressed with the professional service, the legal firm is a problem solving , any questions and concerns have been answered and addressed promptly. Bastos firm showed a deep understanding of the situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. Recommended 💯

- Y. P.
"Highly Competent Defense Attorney"
María is a passionate and highly competent defense attorney. I have witnessed firsthand her relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment to fighting for her clients. I highly recommend Bastos Defense, P.A. to represent you!

- Leila A.
"Let Maria fight for you!"
Maria's drive, dedication, and compassion, coupled with her extensive experience as a statewide prosecutor, make her an exceptional candidate for your legal needs. She is prepared to stand up for your rights. Let Maria fight for you!

- Lelia A.
"Top Notch Defense Attorney"
Maria is a top notch defense attorney and I would highly recommend her and her services.

- Lindsay C.
"Highly Recommend!"
María is awesome! I highly recommend choosing her, very trustworthy and dependable!

- Ellie C.
"Highly Recommend"
Bastos Defense Law Firm was outstanding in their professionalism and commitment. Maria, a bilingual attorney, was exceptional, seamlessly communicating in both English and Spanish, which made the process clear and accessible. The team’s expertise and care led to a great outcome, and I highly recommend them for top-tier legal support.

- Henry M.

Meet Attorney María Bastos Your Case Is Our Mission

At Bastos Defense, you get a fierce advocate on your side, with a compassionate and personalized approach to client care.