As we discussed in a previous post, one of the more regrettable realities for those men and women here in Florida who have paid their debt to society is that they will still have to deal with both undue stigmatization and the looming presence of state law enforcement.
This is especially true for those who have served time for a sex crime conviction, as they will see their name added to the state's sex crime registry, something that will all but guarantee permanent contact with authorities, limited travel, lost employment opportunities and a life made considerably more difficult.
In today's post, the second in our series, we'll examine the basic reporting requirements under Florida's sex offender registry.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that anyone convicted of a sex crime will be required to maintain registration for their entire life, meaning that they will have to report to the local sheriff's office periodically and provide them with all manner of highly personal information.
Outside of basic identifying information (name, date of birth, Social Security, etc.), this personal information includes:
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers
- Vehicle registration information
- Places of employment and associated contact information
- Professional license information
- Passport information
- Photographs
- Fingerprints/palm prints
Furthermore, anytime a person convicted of a sex crime changes their name or residence, they must ensure that their identification card or driver's license is updated within 48 hours.
Lastly, as we established earlier, Florida courts can classify someone convicted of a sex crime as either a sexual offender or a sexual predator. The distinction is significant as far as registration obligations are concerned because it will determine the frequency with which a person is required to report to their local sheriff's office.
- Classification as a sexual offender means that a person will be required to register at the local sheriff's office either four times per year (birthday and every third month thereafter) or two times per year (birthday and every six months thereafter) depending on the nature of the underlying offense.
- Classification as a sexual predator means that a person will be required to register at the local sheriff's office four times per year (birthday and every third month thereafter).
As before, our purpose in providing information on how the state sex crime registry works is not to discourage or alarm, but rather to emphasize the gravity of these types of charges and illustrate why anyone in this scenario must consider speaking with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible.
At the Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A., we have extensive experience defending clients against sex crime charges and understand just how devastating a conviction can be. Accordingly, you can rely on us to prepare a wholly compelling defensedesigned to protect your rights, your freedom and your good name.
