Being convicted of a sex crime can be one of the most life-changing events of a person’s life because even after serving time, he or she may still be labeled as a sex offender. While not all sex crimes require registration as a sex offender, those labeled as such will face harassment and discrimination for the rest of their lives as they follow the strict rules set forth by the California legislature. These laws restrict where sex offenders can live and also require them to register with the local government every year and every time he or she moves or changes jobs.
If you have been convicted of a sex crime, after registering with the government, your name will then appear on an online database where anyone can view your name, address, photo and the offenses you committed. While this registry is intended to protect the public, many vigilantes have used this information to illegally hunt down and harm or harass registered sex offenders.
Failure to register with the state is a crime. If the original sex crime was a misdemeanor, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. If it was a felony, you will be charged with a felony. That means that if you already have two strikes on your record, you could be imprisoned for 25 years to life just for failing to register.
As if these consequences weren’t serious enough, convicted sex offenders also have difficulty finding employment and are even barred from certain lines of work. Finding suitable housing can also be problematic as many landlords feel uncomfortable renting to sex offenders.
In some extreme cases, offenders labeled “sexually violent predators” may even be hospitalized after their release from prison, in many cases, resulting in the person being committed for the rest of his or her life.
If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is absolutely critical you contact a skilled Vista criminal attorney as soon as possible. Sex offenses are notoriously difficult to fight and require a strong defense from a dedicated representative like Peter M. Liss.
Even if you have already been convicted for a crime of this nature, a Vista sex crimes lawyer may be able to help get your name off of the online database in order to protect your safety. In some cases, your attorney may be able to help you stop having to register with the government by assisting you to receive a Certificate of Rehabilitation.
If you were charged with a sex crime, please call our offices at (760) 643-4050.
Creative Commons Image by Kevin Spencer
