If you are convicted for a sex crime in Florida, not only do you face a lengthy prison sentence and fines worth thousands of dollars, but you must also register as a sex offender for possibly the rest of your life. Being labeled as a sex offender can make it extremely difficult to find a place to live, gain employment, or take advantage of many opportunities in life.
There are two separate designations of sex offender registration: sexual offenders and sexual predators. The latter designation is reserved for those who are convicted of a first-degree, life, or capital sex crime, or two or more second-degree felony sex crimes.
The following are several sex crimes that are punishable by lifetime registration:
Sexual misconduct
False imprisonment
Kidnapping
Child sex trafficking
Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors
Sexual performance by a child
Luring or enticing a child
However, there are some exceptions to the lifetime registration requirement. Depending on the offense, the victim’s age, and your age at the time of the offense, you may be eligible to have your name removed from the registry if you have been out of prison for at least 25 years and you have not been accused of any crime since.
You may have to register as a sex offender either while you are incarcerated or after you are released (within 48 hours). Failing to register in Florida is a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison term of five years and a fine of up to $5,000.
As we mentioned before, individuals convicted of certain sex crimes are prohibited from living near a school, daycare center, park, playground, or any place where children commonly frequent. Those who are convicted of a child sex crime cannot work or volunteer at any business, school, or space regularly frequented by children.
To avoid having to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life, you must avoid conviction at all costs with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer can investigate your case, collect and analyze evidence, and build a strong defense to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Facing sex crime charges in Miami? Contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today at (305) 400-0074 and schedule a free consultation. Get a knowledgeable and skilled criminal defense attorney with more than 19 years of trial-tested experience on your side!