Sex Offender Registration

Registering as a Sex Offender in California: Megan’s Law

There are so many negative aspects to being charged with a sex crime in California. If you are convicted of the crime, you face sex offender registry for a significant length of time. Registering as a sex offender in California is one of the harshest legal punishments, as you will live under severe restrictions on your freedom and your life. These restrictions make it almost impossible to live a “normal” life. The sex offender registry is a way for the state of California to keep track of where sex offenders live and ensure they are abiding by the restrictions. Being placed on the sex registry can affect virtually every part of your life. You may be unable to hold certain jobs, especially those working with children. You could be restricted to certain places to live; sex offenders are not allowed to live within 1,000 feet of a school. You could even lose custody of your children and a lack of privacy.

The impact of a child custody case for a person who must register as a sex offender will depend on the nature of the charges and the family court judge. A sex crime conviction that is related to children could result in the loss of custody. When registering as a sex offender in California, it is important to speak with an attorney regarding how this could affect your custody agreement and your life.

Riverside Sex Offender Registration Defense Lawyers

A sex crime conviction can have lasting consequences that go far beyond the initial sentence and fines. Many sex crimes, such as child molestation, rape, child pornography, and Internet solicitation, require the convicted individual to register on the San Bernardino & Riverside sex offender registry.

At Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, we can help you understand your rights and obligations in regard to registering as a sex offender. If you have been accused of a sex crime, we can help you fight to keep your name off the sex offender registry. If you have been convicted of a sex crime, we can fight to help you lessen the impact of having to register.

Contact us today online or by telephone at (951) 574-2281 to speak with an experienced California sex offender defense attorney. We represent clients throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.

Who Is Considered a Sex Offender in California?

The definition of a sex offender includes anyone convicted of certain sex crimes, indecent exposure, and crimes involving minors. Those who commit certain non-sexual offenses will also be required to register if the offense was sexually motivated. The following list of sex crimes includes those that require registering as a sex offender in California:

Rape, date rape, and statutory rape
Sexual battery and sexual assault
Child pornography, child sexual abuse, child molestation, and lewd acts with a child
Human trafficking, solicitation, prostitution
Lewd conduct, “revenge” porn, and indecent exposure
Sexual extortion
Failure to register as a sex offender

In addition to penalties like prison, fines, and the necessity of registering as a sex offender, you must disclose your felony conviction on all employment applications. You may not legally own or possess a firearm, and you may find it difficult or impossible to have a sex offense conviction expunged. If you hold a professional license in California, your conviction could trigger disciplinary action by the professional licensing board.

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What Are the Requirements for Registering as a Sex Offender in California?

Under California Penal Code 290 PC, those convicted of certain sex crimes will be required to register as sex offenders. This usually includes registering at their local police station every year. This registration must be done within five days of the individual’s birthday and within five days of moving. California’s old registry was replaced in January 2021 with a new three-tier sex offender registry system that categorizes offenders based on the severity of the crime. Those in the lower tier can potentially have their information removed from the registry.

It was determined that the provisions for low-risk offenders should not last a lifetime. Some sex crimes will require a ten-year registration (Tier 1), some registrations will be for 20 years (Tier 2), and some will be for the life of the offender (Tier 3). An individual convicted for a sex offense that requires registration must submit their name, address, physical description, and criminal history to local law enforcement within five business days of being released from prison. Tier 1 sex offenses include indecent exposure, child pornography, child molestation, and more.

What is Megan’s Law?

California’s Megan’s Law was enacted in 1996. It mandated the California Department of Justice to notify the public about specified registered sex offenders as well as authorized law enforcement entities to notify the public when public safety was at risk. Every state in the U.S. currently has some type of Megan’s Law. Under Megan’s Law, a searchable Internet database allows the public to see those who are registered as a sex offender. Some sex offenders might be excluded from Megan’s Law, such as:

Those who have completed probation
Individuals whose crime did not include penetration
Those whose victim was a relative
Individuals who have an expungement of their crime of a Certificate of Rehabilitation
Those whose conviction was for sexual battery by restraint or those whose conviction was for molesting or annoying a child

What is Jessica’s Law?

Although Jessica’s Law is known nationally, it is a California law passed as Proposition 83 in 2006. Jessica’s Law increased the punishment for many sex offenders while prohibiting probation for certain sex offenses. GPS monitoring and extended parole were included in the law for many offenders. Jessica’s Law initially prevented those paroled following a sex offense conviction from living within 2,000 feet of a school or park, but in 2015, this provision was ruled unconstitutional.

How Can GGK Help Those Accused of Sex Offender Crimes?

Sex offenses are among the most serious crimes in California and across the nation. If you hear of sex offense allegations against yourself—even if you are unsure what you heard is real—you need to immediately contact a highly experienced sex crime attorney from Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon. Do not discuss the allegations with anyone until you have spoken to a knowledgeable sex crimes attorney. The allegations against you may have turned your world upside down, particularly if they are untrue. True or not, your reputation will be tarnished forever.

Navigating through the California criminal justice system can be very daunting, considering the serious nature of sex crime charges. Since a single misstep could cost you your freedom, having a highly skilled criminal defense attorney is not an option. A deep understanding of the law is required for this complex, sensitive subject. Misconceptions and stereotypes are common for sex crimes; without a strong attorney, you may not receive a fair trial. False accusations can be related to malicious intent or a simple misunderstanding.

Regardless of whether you committed the offense or are innocent, our attorneys will ensure you are heard, while we work to have your charges reduced, or dropped entirely. A Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon lawyer will provide you with quality legal representation, guiding you through the process and offering strategic planning for the best outcome possible.

DEFENSE AGAINST SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION IN RIVERSIDE

In most sex crime cases, the person who is convicted must register with the state as a sex offender and continue to do so for life. Failing to register every year is a crime that carries its own criminal penalties.

Being required to register as a sex offender will change many aspects of your life, from your ability to get a job, to where you are allowed to live. Our attorneys understand the severity of sex crimes convictions and are committed to protecting those accused of sex crimes.

Our San Bernardino & Riverside lawyers have the experience and understanding of Megan’s Law, Jessica’s Law, and other sex crime statutes to effectively defend our clients.

Contact Our Team Today

If you have been charged with a sex crime in California and need a strong criminal defense, we are here to help.

Contact us today online or by telephone at (951) 574-2281 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Riverside sex offender registration defense attorneys. We offer free initial consultations, and our phone is answered 24 hours per day. All calls are returned promptly.

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