What You Should Know About Sex Offender Registration

 Posted on April 24, 2017 in Violent Crimes

If you have been charged with any type of crime that may require you to register as a sex offender, you should understand what sex offender registration entails. Because registration is required for at least 10 years, and possibly for the remainder of the offender’s life, many people convicted of a sex offense believe that registration is the most onerous part of their sentence.

Convictions That Require Registration

Anyone convicted of a crime that Illinois law lists as a sex offense is considered a sex offender. All convicted sex offenders must register with the state’s Sex Offender Registry. Offenses that require registration upon conviction include:

• Possession of child pornography;
• Sexual assault;
• Aggravated sexual assault;
• Sexual abuse; and
• Aggravated sexual abuse.

Other, less common offenses could also require registration depending on the specific circumstances.

Requirements of Sex Offender Registration

There are numerous requirements and considerations to be addressed when dealing with sex offender registration. Three of the primary concnerns are:

• Registration duration: If you are considered a sexual offender, you must remain registered for 10 years. If you are considered a sexual predator, you must remain registered for your entire life. The definition of a sexual predator is contained in the law, and sexual predators include anyone convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault or abuse, criminal sexual assault, or child pornography charges. If you are convicted of a sex offense that is not listed in the definition of a sexual predator, you will be considered a sexual offender by default.
• Registration deadline and renewals: A sex offender must register within three days of sentencing at the appropriate local police department. The registration must be renewed each year. If you move, you have three days to register at your new address. If you attend or are employed by an institution of higher learning, you must register with the police department in that municipality as well.
• Restrictions on movement and residences: A sex offender cannot be present or loiter within 500 feet of any school, daycare, or any park where children are present (unless the offender is with his or her own child). An offender cannot reside within 500 feet of a school, daycare, or playground.

How an Attorney Can Work to Keep You Off the Sex Offender List

The only way to keep you out of the sex offender registry is by avoiding a conviction that results in registration. A defense attorney may be able to successfully argue to a jury that the prosecution did not prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Another way to avoid registration is to reach a plea agreement in which you accept the consequences for a lesser offense that does not require registration. An attorney may be able to convince a prosecutor that the evidence supports a lesser offense and that the deal is appropriate for all involved parties.

Contact a Chicago Sex Offense Attorney

If you are facing possible sex offender registration, you should seek immediate counsel. Such a sentence will greatly affect your day-to-day life for years to come. These charges should be fought as aggressively as possible. To set up your first meeting, contact an experienced Chicago sex crimes defense attorney at Luisi Legal Group. Call 773-276-5541 get the help you need today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2009&ChapterID=55