Sex crimes are serious offenses that often carry weighty penalties. Additionally, many convictions not only result in fines and prison time but may also require a person to register as a sex offender. Being on the sex offender registry can greatly impair many aspects of a person’s life, and it is critical for anyone charged with a crime of a sexual nature to understand the consequences that come with a conviction or guilty plea. If you are accused of a sex crime, it is critical to speak to a knowledgeable Sarasota criminal defense attorney as soon as possible regarding your rights.
What is the Florida Sex Offender Registry?
Under Florida law, people convicted of certain crimes are required to report to their local sheriff’s office and provide identifying information, such as their name, birth date, social security number, race, sex, hair and eye color, tattoos, and other notable marks, and height and weight.
They also have to provide personal information such as their address, place of employment and occupation, contact information, and vehicle information. This information is used, in part, to create a profile for the individual on the public sex offender registry website, which anyone can access to look for offenders by name or to search certain areas to see if offenders live or work there. Continue Reading ›