Consequences for Sex Crime Convictions
Sex offender registration laws are in place to help protect the public. For example, sex offenders must register with law enforcement and provide both residential and work addresses. This enables law enforcement officers to keep watch of their whereabouts and ensure that they stay away from places like schools, parks, or other places where children congregate. That’s why it’s always encouraged to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been charged with a sex offense.
In addition to these consequences for sex crime convictions, which can include jail sentence or possibly lifetime community supervision following release from prison, a conviction also comes with fines and potential restitution payments.
The Laws Differ From State to State
It is important to note that sex offender registration laws are different from state to state. Some states require sex offenders to register for life, whereas others only require them for the length of their sentence in prison.
On the federal level, the penalties for sex crimes vary depending on the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. In each of these cases, whether a perpetrator is a first-time offender or has a long history of criminal charges, they will face a tough time in prison and may have to pay restitution to the victims as well.
An Overview of Sex Crimes
Sexual violence is a serious problem that is shrouded in the shadows of controversy. It’s one that deeply affects many people’s lives, regardless of age, gender, or race. Because sex crimes are often misunderstood and covered up by perpetrators, it can be difficult for victims and their families to get the justice they deserve.
About 75 percent of all sexual assault is committed by male perpetrators. Sexual assault is also among the top three violent crimes that women experience, and the majority of those are perpetrated by a male stranger.
Sexual assault can be committed in various ways, including through physical force and/or threats. In some cases, it’s accompanied by verbal or written abuse or manipulation. In other cases, the perpetrator may simply be an acquaintance or someone the victim doesn’t know.
Why Most Sexual Assault Cases Go Unreported
The frequency of sexual assault within a community can have a major impact on potential victims. The threat of sexual violence often makes the victims more hesitant to report. In addition, if assailants are part of an established social network, it may be more difficult for victims to find their own way out since they may feel exposed and isolated.
The age of sexual assault victims varies tremendously, as does the prevalence of different sex crimes. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 90 percent of those who are raped are younger than 30. And while all types of sexual assault tend to occur more frequently in urban and suburban areas, most female victims report being sexually assaulted in residential settings.
Some consequences come with sex crime convictions and some of them include:
Sex Offender Registration
Sex offender registration laws require offenders to register their names, physical descriptions, mailing addresses, and other personal information with law enforcement agencies as part of a public database.
Anyone convicted of committing a sex crime in most jurisdictions must register for life unless the conviction is overturned or there are extenuating circumstances. In most jurisdictions, the registrant must update this information periodically and provide it immediately upon changes in residence or employment.
Housing Challenges
Many landlords refuse to rent exclusively to registered sex offenders, and many communities in which the offender resides also pass laws that limit where sex offenders may live. People on parole or probation are often subject to curfews.
Most cities regulate where sex offenders may go while in public, and these limits are difficult to follow while traveling from one place to another. In some places, it is a crime for a registered sex offender to be seen with a minor even if they are together only as relatives or friends.
In addition, many cities across the country will not allow sex offenders to live anywhere close to a school or daycare center. This makes it extremely difficult for a person to find affordable, suitable housing. These laws are meant to protect children from predators, but sometimes they backfire and make it impossible for those convicted of sex crimes to rehabilitate and live an ordinary life.
Employment Challenges
The criminal records of convicted sex offenders are often examined closely by potential employers. In some states, a conviction for a sex crime disqualifies an applicant from even being considered for a job.
In addition to having a criminal record, some states require registration for sex crimes, making it virtually impossible for them to get a job. To avoid being charged with a felony, some people who have committed sex offenses may agree to register as sex offenders.
Custody Loss
A person convicted of a sex crime is not allowed to have unsupervised visitation with the child. This will most likely result in a legal custody battle between the person and their child. There is also the serious risk of losing custody in divorce proceedings if evidence surfaces after the settlement showing abuse or neglect of children.
Ruined Reputation
People with criminal records are generally viewed negatively by the public. If someone is convicted of a sex crime, the community will be more likely to find the person guilty of other crimes.
Sex crimes are often difficult for prosecutors to prove due to the intimate and intricate nature of the crimes. Sex offense convictions can carry serious penalties and, in some cases, require an individual to register as a sex offender for life. If you or a loved one is accused of one of these sex crimes, you need an experienced lawyer who understands sex offenses and how best to defend them. To get in touch with an attorney, check out https://arizonacriminalattorney.co/mesa/
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