Being convicted of a sex crime carries huge consequences. You may go to jail, but perhaps the scariest consequence of a sexual assault conviction is a consequence that could last a lifetime – sex offender registration.
Sex offender registration is a separate system in each state with slightly different rules and restrictions. Generally, sex offender registration requires individuals convicted of sexual offenses to provide information to law enforcement authorities. The purpose of sex offender registration is to increase public safety by providing law enforcement and the public with information about individuals who have been convicted of sexual offenses.
The information required for sex offender registration typically includes the individual’s name, address, photograph, and information about the offense they were convicted of. This information is then made available to the public, often through online databases, to allow community members to be aware of the presence of known sex offenders in their area.
In some jurisdictions, sex offender registration requirements are lifetime obligations, meaning that individuals must continue to provide updated information for the rest of their lives. In others, the registration requirements may end after a certain amount of time has passed.
Sex offender registration is a controversial issue, with some arguing that it helps to protect the public by providing information about known sex offenders, while others argue that it is a form of punishment that is unjust and does not effectively prevent recidivism.
Consequences of Being on the Sex Offender Registry
When you register as a sex offender, your name is added to a nationwide database of offenders. It involves more than the police just “keeping tabs” on you. These registries are open to the public. Anyone can go online and search for you by name to see that you are a sex offender. Even worse, anyone can put their address into a database and find all the sex offenders within a certain distance of their home.
If you’re convicted of a military sexual assault, you will be required to register in your home state and remain registered until the state says otherwise. For most states, the minimum registration time is ten years from the date you are released from jail. In some cases, you may be required to stay registered for life.
Even if your registration is temporary, the consequences of the “sex offender label” will remain. For example:
- Restrictions on where you can live. Most states won’t allow sex offenders to live with certain distances of schools, parks, playgrounds, or other places where children gather. Even if you are convicted of an “adult” sexual assault, these restrictions may apply. As a result, it may be difficult to find a home in a place you want to live.
- Restrictions on where you can work. In addition to housing restrictions, most states limit where you can work. For example, you may not be able to work in a clothing store with changing rooms or at a salon or barber shop. You also will not be able to hold a job that comes with power and responsibility, such as a nurse, pharmacist (or pharmacy tech), etc.
- Loss of child custody or visitation. No matter what your conviction was for, the courts can deny you custody of your children and severely limit (or cancel) all rights to visitation.
- Decreased privacy. By being on a sex offender registry, your right to privacy is severely limited. Your neighbors and coworkers may even know that you are a sex offender.
- Prejudice and intolerance. Unfortunately, registered sex offenders face a lot of prejudice and intolerance. Your family, friends, and coworkers may treat you as a threat or an outcast. Some people may withdraw from knowing you at all.
These consequences are scary, and they increase all the time. For instance, the state of Missouri now restricts the activities of registered sex offenders on Halloween, requiring registered sex offenders to remain inside their homes and post signs outside stating, “No candy or treats at this residence – sex offender at this residence.”
Fighting to Preserve Your Reputation and Future
Regardless of one’s stance on sex offender registration, it is important to understand that it is a legal requirement for individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses and that failure to comply with these requirements can result in additional criminal charges and penalties. If you are facing conviction of a sexual offense, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to understand your obligations and ensure that you are in compliance with the laws in your jurisdiction.
Once you’re branded as a sex offender, there is no turning back. That is why you need a team of experienced defense counsel working for you. Before it’s too late. The team at Golden Law has handled hundreds of sexual assault cases. We are ready to fight for your reputation and future.
