Registering as a sex offender can have serious implications for your future. It could prevent you from obtaining certain kinds of employment and housing; it could also taint some of your personal relationships. Fortunately, our firm provides zealous representation to clients who are faced with the possibility of having to register as a sex offender or predator in St. Petersburg.
This is a highly misunderstood area of the law that has serious lifelong consequences without competent representation. Our team of experienced sex crimes attorneys will provide you with legal counsel and advice, defense strategy development, and representation in court.
What is the Sex Offender Registry?
The registry is a database controlled by state law enforcement agencies that process the personal information and location of individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes. In the United States, the federal government has enacted legislation requiring the registration of sex offenders.
The specific requirements, such as length and public access to the registry, change among jurisdictions. Generally, registered sex offenders in St. Petersburg must report their name, address, employment, vehicle information, and other personal details to authorities.
In the state of Florida, sex offenders must report in person to the sheriff’s office in the county where they live within 48 hours of establishing a residence in Florida or within 48 hours of being released from custody, regardless of whether the conviction happened in Florida or another state. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the registry.
What Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
There are a variety of crimes that require someone in St. Petersburg to register as a sex offender. The list of offenses can include both violent and non-violent crimes:
- Rape and sexual battery
- Voyeurism and indecent exposure involving minors
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment of a minor
- Child molestation and sexual abuse of a minor
- Possession, distribution, or production of child pornography
- Criminal sexual conduct, lewd and lascivious acts
The specific crimes that require registration are defined by state law. In Florida, registration is for life in almost every case.
Information Included in the Registry
The Florida Sex Offender Registry requires the full name, a current photograph, address, date of birth, and physical description of each sex offender. The registry also contains information regarding the details of the sex offense, whether the person is designated a sexual offender or a sexual predator, vehicle information, employment information, internet identifiers, and any notable scars, marks, or tattoos.
How Long Must Someone Remain on the Registry?
In Florida, a person required to register as a sexual offender must stay on the registry for life. The length of registration does not depend on the severity of the offense.
Florida does not use the three-tier system found in federal law and in some other states, where lower-tier offenders register for 15 or 25 years. There are only a few narrow ways to be removed:
- A full pardon, or a conviction that is set aside in a postconviction proceeding
- A petition to the court after 25 years without an arrest since release from confinement or supervision. This option is not available for certain convictions, including sexual battery and some lewd or lascivious offenses
- Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law, which lets a court remove the requirement in certain cases involving people close in age
Navigating the complex patchwork of state and federal sex offender laws is critical for our criminal defense lawyers. We understand the specific charges our clients face, the applicable registration requirements, and any options for petitioning to be removed from the registry. For the charges that lead to registration, see our Florida sex crimes lawyer page.
Reach Out to a St. Petersburg Attorney About the Sex Offender Registry Today
When you are required to join a sex offender’s list, we will provide you with legal guidance and advice regarding your obligations and rights if you are registered as a sex offender. We can also help you understand the laws and regulations in Florida and advise you on how to comply with these requirements. Call a St. Petersburg sex offender registry attorney today to schedule a consultation.