Sarasota Criminal Attorney Blog
Sex crimes are serious offenses that often carry weighty penalties. Additionally, many convictions not only result in fines and prison time but may also require a person to register as a sex offender. Being on the sex offender registry can greatly impair many aspects of a person’s life, and it is critical for anyone charged with a crime of a sexual nature to understand the consequences that come with a conviction or guilty plea. If you are accused of a sex crime, it is critical to speak to a knowledgeable Sarasota criminal defense attorney as soon as possible regarding your rights.
What is the Florida Sex Offender Registry?
Under Florida law, people convicted of certain crimes are required to report to their local sheriff’s office and provide identifying information, such as their name, birth date, social security number, race, sex, hair and eye color, tattoos, and other notable marks, and height and weight.
They also have to provide personal information such as their address, place of employment and occupation, contact information, and vehicle information. This information is used, in part, to create a profile for the individual on the public sex offender registry website, which anyone can access to look for offenders by name or to search certain areas to see if offenders live or work there.
What Crimes Require You to Register as a Sex Offender in Florida?
Florida defines a sex offender as anyone convicted of one of a number of enumerated crimes. Notably, the term conviction includes those found guilty following a trial as well as people who enter pleas of guilty or nolo contendre. People convicted of qualifying offenses in jurisdictions other than Florida are required to register as sex offenders as well.
Many of the crimes that require a person to register as a sex offender involve minors. Specifically, a conviction for kidnapping a minor, false imprisonment of a minor, luring or enticing a child, unlawful sexual activity with minors, sex trafficking or prostitution of minors, and procuring a minor for prostitution requires a person to register as a sex offender. People convicted of the crimes of video voyeurism of a minor, sexual performance by a child, and certain child pornography crimes, including the transmission of child pornography and selling or buying children for portrayal in pornography, are also obligated to register as sex offenders.
Additionally, convictions for numerous sexual misconduct offenses, human trafficking, sexual battery, lascivious and lewd acts committed in the presence of a minor under sixteen, disabled adult or elderly person, and some racketeering offenses carry a sex offender registry requirement as well.
Meet with a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Florida
A conviction for a sex crime can have lasting consequences, including a lifelong status as a registered sex offender. If you are accused of a sex crime, it is prudent to meet with an attorney to evaluate your options. William Hanlon of Hanlon Law is a trusted sex crime defense lawyer who is adept at helping people accused of crimes seek favorable results, and if you hire him, he will advocate aggressively on your behalf. You can contact Mr. Hanlon through the form online or at 941-462-1789 to set up a conference.