Being charged with a sex crime is one of the most serious legal situations a person can face. Along with the possible sentencing that can come with the potential conviction in New York, a near immediate stigma goes along with the whisper of an alleged sexual offense.
If you are being accused of something like rape or sexual misconduct, we know you are scared. There is a lot on the line, including the possibility that you will have to register as a sex offender. There is a lot to know about the sex offender registry.
Unfortunately, even after someone has served their time following a sex crime conviction, they might have to continue living out a serious form of punishment. Who has to register as sex offender?
Currently, anyone who is convicted of any level of sex crime in New York must register as a sex offender in a timely manner. Also, those who have been convicted of sex crimes out of state but move here must get onto the registry within 10 days of the relocation.
Though all convicted of sex crimes in New York need to register, there are differences in how long people must remain on the registry based on their level of offense. A level 1 offender (the most minor classification) must be on the registry for 20 years. Someone who’s classified as a level 3 offender has to register for life.
While being tied to the sex offender registry might not be the same as what the system refers to as a life sentence, it is a life sentence of sorts for those controlled by it. There will be life-long rules to follow in terms of moving and work. The public has access to the sensitive information about a person via the sex offender registry.
An aggressive criminal defense lawyer can help mitigate the severity of a sex crimes case. They can also answer more questions about the sex offender registry and its possible impact on your life.