Being placed on the sex offender registry in Florida is a severe consequence with many intrusive requirements; one would think it would be a requirement reserved for only the most deviant criminal behavior. However, according to change.org, being required to register as a sex offender is a sentence that may be handed down for a variety of offenses, from more minor convictions (having consensual sex publicly) to major crimes (violent sexual assault).
If you face sex crimes charges, you should consult a sex crime defense attorney immediately, as moving swiftly and with great expertise will be imperative in defending your freedom. In the following article, sex crimes attorneys with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan in Clearwater, FL have outlined what you need to know about the sex offender registry and how being on the registry could potentially impact your life.
What Is The Florida Sex Offender Registry?
Charges Resulting in Sex Offender Registration
Being required to register as a sex offender in Florida is a penalty that can result from a multitude of charges. Qualifying offenses include, but are not limited to:
- Kidnapping
- Lewd and Lascivious Offenses
- Sexual Battery
- Child Molestation, Child Pornography, or Child Sexual Exhibition
- Sex with a Minor
In all cases, if found guilty, a person must register themselves on the Florida sex offender list. Failure to do so may result in a further 3rd-degree felony charge, fines, and jail time. To read the list of qualifying offenses, visit FLDE’s website here.
Sex Offender Registry Tiers
In Florida, the sex offender registry is broken down into three degrees of severity. Each tier brings its own consequences. Under any circumstances, if you are facing a sex crimes charge, consult with a sex crimes defense attorney like Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan every step of the way.
Level 1: The least severe of all three tiers. Individuals on this list are less likely to be repeat offenders and often charged with less serious sex crimes. If you find yourself on this tier, you will likely have an easier time getting yourself off the list in the future.
Level 2: Slightly more severe than level 1, level 2 sex offenders are seen by the court as likely to be repeat offenders. There is a chance individuals can be removed from this list, but it is more challenging.
Level 3: The most severe tier, level 3 offenders are deemed sexual predators. These are often people who have preexisting sex crime charges, and once a person is registered as a level 3 sex offender, they will never be able to get off the list.
How Does Being on the Sex Offender Registry Impact Your Life?
As outlined above, each tier of the sex offender registry comes with different consequences. Each level is more severe than the last, and all come with rules and responsibilities you must follow to meet the requirements of your conviction.
Tier 1: If you are on this list, you must report to the local sheriff’s office two times a year. At each check-in, you must provide all personal information, updates to your personal information from the last check-in, and employment records.
Tier 2: This tier requires offenders to report to the local sheriff’s office four times a year. Other restrictions could also apply to tier 2 offenders, depending on the type of crime committed. Be prepared to bring the same identifiers as those on the tier 1 list have.
Tier 3: Finally, tier 3 offenders must report to the local sheriff’s office the same amount as tier 2 offenders; however, they are also restricted from working at certain places, living in specific locations, or being within the vicinity of particular areas.
Can You Get Off the Sex Offender Registry?
As mentioned above, tier 1 and 2 offenders may someday be removed from the sex offenders list. It takes time (25 years from completion of the sentence), and the original crime must either be pardoned or fall under other particular circumstances.
Even then, the final choice is up to a judge. Just because you have met all the requirements needed to be removed from the registry, does not guarantee you will be able to have your name taken off.
Why You Should Consult a Sex Crimes Attorney in Clearwater, FL
No matter what sex crime charges you face, an experienced Clearwater sex crime defense attorney like Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan can help you prepare the best possible defense for your case. They will work to reduce your charges and help you understand the future implications of the charges and potential sentences.
If you have already been charged with a sex crime, working with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan can help you understand your options if you seek to be removed from the sex offender registry.
If you are in need of a law firm who you can trust, complete our contact request form or give us a call today at (727) 578-0303.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.