Sex Offense Registration and Public Notification

One of the most serious consequences of a conviction for a sex crime is post-conviction registration. Registration can be as unobtrusive as yearly reporting to the local police for persons placed in the lowest level of registration. However, the second tier calls for registration, internet posting available to the public, and community notification. Finally, those in tier three are subject to community house-to-house notification as well.

Since registration and notification are so onerous, a criminal defense attorney must attempt to keep his client in the lowest tier. In addition to careful preparation and research, a forensic psychologist can be an invaluable resource in minimizing the consequences of sex offense mandatory registration to a client and his family.

Another consequence of certain sex crime convictions is community supervision for life. This post-sentence component of a conviction requires supervision by a state parole officer specially assigned to monitor sex offenders to minimize the possibility of recidivism. Community supervision and registration pursuant to "Megan's Law" can be terminated after fifteen years, but only at a court hearing in which the client establishes total rehabilitation.

Obviously, avoiding a conviction is the highest priority in cases involving sex crimes. Yet, when a conviction is unavoidable, and the client's case is properly prepared, a criminal defense attorney can lessen the consequences.

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