The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
Sex crimes occur every day throughout the United States. Orange County, Florida, has the highest population of registered sex offenders and predators in the Sunshine State. The consequences of a sex offense conviction are complex and have a lifelong impact on one’s life. Registration on a state or national database is one of the major requirements if convicted of this crime. Failure to register as a sex offender in Orlando incurs severe penalties that require a strong legal defense to overcome.
Some states, like Florida, hand down harsher punishments than jail time or fines when one commits a sex crime. Once a sex offender completes their prison time, he or she must complete registration as a sex offender. Those who try to avoid the embarrassment and stigma around their sex crime by not registering will face additional penalties. Law enforcement treats this as a serious offense regardless of what excuse the offender offers.
Some of the ways one can violate sex offender registration requirements include:
Registered sex offenders in Florida must always maintain their registration unless their status is removed or they receive a pardon or post-conviction relief.
Under Florida state law, convicted individuals who commit qualifying sex crimes must register with law enforcement within 48 hours of being released or once they have established a new residence. This registration takes place at a local sheriff’s office and must be in person.
Sex crimes related to rape, sexual assault and child molestation demand a sex offender to register with their county. Considering there is a limited 48-hour window to register after being released from prison or establishing a new home, it’s imperative to complete this step immediately. Additionally, a sex offender may be required to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement two to four times a year. When registering, it’s necessary to provide several pieces of information to the authorities. Some of this information includes:
If at any time this information changes, sex offenders must re-register the information within 48 hours.
There are numerous Florida State Statutes that qualify certain crimes as sex offenses requiring registration. In addition to being required to register as a sex offender, each charge carries its own harsh penalties.
Sex-related crimes that require registration include:
When one is under the supervision of law enforcement as part of their requirements as an offender, additional specific rules or guidelines may be imposed. One can expect to be regularly monitored for compliance with these rules and failure to do so can result in even more jail time. Generally, a registered sex offender can expect the following limitations:
It’s a third-degree felony with heavy consequences when one fails to register after being convicted of a sex crime. Penalties for a first offense may include:
It’s critical that one follows through with all court-ordered requirements when convicted of a crime. If you are experiencing difficulty doing so due to circumstances beyond your control, consult an Orlando attorney immediately to work on your behalf. Some reasons one might experience difficulties staying in compliance are:
Remember, the state of Florida and its law enforcement agencies do not initially care what circumstances prevented you from registering in the initial 48-hour window. If you know that you will not be able to complete this process within this time frame, seek legal counsel immediately.
It is crucial to obtain a lawyer for a strong defense if one violates the terms of their sex offender registration. Violations risk an unforgiving sentence of prison time and fines in Florida’s justice system, and an attorney can best determine precisely how the violation occurred and how to defend against it.
The Umansky Law Office understands that prosecutors must demonstrate your violation of the law was severe and intentional. Our 100 years of combined experience and former careers as prosecutors helps us work towards a disposition not requiring prison time and possibly a second-chance. Call us today to evaluate the circumstances of your case further so we can figure out the best next steps for your situation. It’s imperative we begin to work on your charges right away to increase your chance of no further prison time being ordered.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys