Military Sexual Assault Lawyers
What are the Collateral Consequences of Sex Offender Registration?
Criminal defense lawyer, Michael Waddington, answers “What are Collateral Consequences of Sex Offender Registration?”
What are the effects of being a sex offender?
Sex Offenders Often Cannot Live Near or Visit “Places Where Children Congregate.”
What does that mean? It means a registered sex offender may not be allowed to live near or visit schools, parks and playgrounds, beaches, shopping malls, stores, movie theaters, community centers, places of worship, libraries, recreational facilities, skating rinks, bus stops, and many more.
Collateral Consequences of Sex Offender Registration
A registered sex offender will often suffer the following collateral consequences of being convicted of a civilian or military sexual offense:
- Denied housing
- Loss of family
- Isolation
- No educational opportunities
- Unemployable
- Physical assault
- Increased homelessness
- Harassment
- Financial hardship
- Stigmatization
- The decline in mental health
- No internet access
- Deterioration of social bonds
- Loss of residency
Does a sex offender have rights?
Residence restrictions forced sex offenders to live farther away from employment opportunities, treatment services, and public transportation. Younger offenders were particularly impacted. Low-risk offenders were affected equally to higher-risk offenders.
Registration as a convicted sex offender can result in the following collateral consequences: Not being able to live in certain places, being a registered sex offender means you will be denied housing, and you may not be allowed to live in certain neighborhoods. You will definitely have difficulty finding employment.
People underestimate the collateral consequences of sex offender registration.
Being a convicted sex offender as a result of a military sexual assault allegation is worse than having a federal conviction alone or being discharged from the military with a dishonorable discharge. Being a convicted sex offender has a lot of what we call collateral consequences. Collateral consequences of a military sexual assault conviction are things you don’t think about having to deal with after a court-martial sex crime conviction.
The sex offender collateral consequences in every State are different. Here are a few examples. In some states, you cannot own a device that connects to the internet. You may not be allowed to have a computer or a phone or any other device that connects to the internet unless you give access to law enforcement or your probation officer, or whoever’s monitoring you for the next 10 to 20 years. It can be very intrusive. It can be difficult to get a job or live a normal functional life? Under this provision, it is impossible to do basic things, like check your bank accounts, and print and email a resume.
Other things you can’t do? For example, in Florida, you may not be able to go to a beach or be near a public park. On South Beach Miami a sign at the park says it is a crime for a convicted sex offender to enter that area, in front of Miami Beach, was a public park. So, someone who’s a convicted sex offender for a somewhat minor offense cannot even walk onto a public park in the state of Florida.
Let’s say you lose your wallet. You contact a cop standing on the corner and the police start looking for your wallet. Then, they find out you’re a convicted sex offender, you could be going back to jail. Even if you committed no crime other than to step foot in a park or beach.
The bottom line is that sex offender registration is serious. It’s something you must try to avoid at all costs. It’s a very devastating thing to you and your family. If you’re accused of or suspected of or charged with a sex crime or a sexual assault in the military, you need to invest the money in someone that has a lot of experience handling these types of cases. Otherwise, you can end up being a sex offender which may haunt you for the rest of your life.
Infographic of Collateral Consequences of a Military Court-martial Conviction
Article on Sex Offender Collateral Consequences
Collateral Consequences and Effectiveness of Sex Offender Registration and Notification: Law Enforcement Perspectives
NCJ Number 253176 – Length 17 pages
Understanding Law Enforcement Perspectives on Sex Offender Registration and Notification
Annotation: This study presents results from a mixed-method study that examined law enforcement (LE) perspectives on collateral consequences and sex offender registration and notification (SORN).
Sex Offender Article Abstract
A growing body of research has examined sex offender registration and notification (SORN) collateral effects, particularly those related to offenders’ social and economic reintegration into society. Although studies have examined the public, offender, treatment provider, and other criminal justice perspectives on SORN’s collateral impacts, few have elicited the views of law enforcement (LE) professionals who have contact with registered offenders. Results of the current study indicate that, although overall LE concern regarding collateral impacts is limited, those who are most engaged in SORN-related duties are significantly more likely to indicate such concern and more likely to believe that SORN is an effective public safety tool. Importantly, respondents in states with larger registries expressed greater concern over collateral consequences and less belief in SORN’s public safety efficacy. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. (publisher abstract modified)
Call an experienced criminal lawyer today for help dealing with military sexual crimes and sex offender registration.
The Implications of Sex Offender Registration: A Deep Dive into its Impact on Defendants and Their Families
Sex offender registration is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, designed to track individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses. While the intent behind these registries is to protect communities, the ramifications for those on the list and their families are profound. As criminal defense lawyers, understanding the depth of these implications is crucial in providing comprehensive counsel to clients. This guide delves into the multifaceted impact of sex offender registration on the defendant and their loved ones.
Understanding Sex Offender Registration Before delving into the consequences, it’s essential to understand what sex offender registration entails:
- Registration Requirements: Depending on the jurisdiction, individuals convicted of specific sexual offenses must register with local law enforcement agencies, providing personal details, addresses, and other pertinent information.
- Duration: The length of time an individual remains on the registry varies, ranging from several years to a lifetime.
- Public Access: In many areas, sex offender registries are publicly accessible, allowing community members to view details of registered individuals.
Impact on the Defendant
- Employment Challenges: Being on a sex offender registry can severely limit employment opportunities. Many employers are hesitant to hire registered individuals, especially in roles involving children or vulnerable populations.
- Housing Restrictions: Registered sex offenders often face restrictions on where they can live, making it challenging to find housing away from schools, parks, or other designated areas.
- Social Stigma: The societal stigma associated with being a registered sex offender can be overwhelming, leading to isolation, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Ongoing Legal Obligations: Registered individuals must regularly update their information, report changes, and sometimes even attend mandated therapy or counseling.
- Travel Limitations: Travel, both within one’s country and internationally, can be restricted for registered sex offenders, impacting personal and professional opportunities.
Impact on the Defendant’s Family
- Shared Stigma: Families of registered sex offenders often face societal judgment by association, leading to strained relationships, bullying, or ostracization.
- Economic Strain: With the defendant facing employment challenges, families might experience financial hardships, struggling to meet basic needs or maintain their previous standard of living.
- Housing Complications: Finding family-friendly housing that also adheres to the restrictions placed on the registered individual can be a daunting task.
- Emotional Toll: The emotional weight of having a family member on the sex offender registry can lead to stress, anxiety, and familial discord.
- Children’s Challenges: Children of registered individuals might face bullying at school, social isolation, or even feelings of shame or guilt.
The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Legal Counseling: A seasoned criminal defense lawyer can provide invaluable counsel on navigating the complexities of sex offender registration, ensuring clients understand their rights and obligations.
- Challenging Registration: In some cases, there might be grounds to challenge or appeal the requirement for registration, potentially alleviating the associated burdens.
- Support and Resources: Beyond legal advice, defense lawyers can connect clients and their families with resources, from therapy to support groups, helping them cope with the challenges of registration.
- Advocacy: Defense lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for fair laws surrounding sex offender registration, pushing for reforms that balance community safety with the rights and well-being of registered individuals and their families.
Sex offender registration, while designed with community safety in mind, carries profound implications for those on the list and their families. The challenges, both legal and societal, can be overwhelming. However, with the guidance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer, individuals can navigate this challenging terrain, ensuring their rights are upheld and accessing the support they need. If you or a loved one are grappling with the implications of sex offender registration, remember that there are dedicated professionals ready to guide, support, and advocate for you. In the face of adversity, they stand ready to defend your rights and help you navigate the complexities of life post-registration.