Registering as a sex offender can have serious implications for your future. It could prevent you from obtaining certain kinds of employment and housing; it could also taint some of your personal relationships. Fortunately, our firm specializes in providing zealous representation to clients who are faced with the possibility of having to register as a sex offender or predator in St. Petersburg.
This is a highly misunderstood area of the law that has serious lifelong consequences without competent representation. Our team of experienced sex crimes attorneys will provide you with legal counsel and advice, defense strategy development, and representation in court.
The registry is a database controlled by state law enforcement agencies that process the personal information and location of individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes. In the United States, the federal government has enacted legislation requiring the registration of sex offenders.
The specific requirements, such as length and public access to the registry, change among jurisdictions. Generally, registered sex offenders in St. Petersburg must report their name, address, employment, vehicle information, and other personal details to authorities.
In the state of Florida, sex offenders must register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) within 48 hours of establishing residence in Florida or within 48 hours of being released from prison, regardless of whether the conviction happened in Florida or another state.
There are a variety of crimes that require someone in St. Petersburg to register as a sex offender. The list of offenses can include both violent and non-violent crimes:
The specific crimes that require registration are defined by state law. The length of time someone spends on the registry depends on the severity of their crimes.
The Florida Sex Offender Registry requires the full name, a current photograph, address, date of birth, and physical description of each sex offender. The registry also contains information regarding the details of the sex offense, risk level classification, vehicle information, employment information, internet identifiers, and any notable scars, marks, or tattoos.
In St. Petersburg, the duration of time an individual must remain on the sex offender list depends on the severity of the offense. For certain offenses, such as sexual battery or lewd or lascivious offenses, the registration requirement can be for life.
The duration of registration depends on the nature of the offense. There are generally three tiers of sex offenders with associated registration periods:
Navigating the complex patchwork of state and federal sex offender laws is critical for our criminal defense lawyers. We understand the specific charges our clients face, the applicable registration requirements, and any options for petitioning to be removed from the registry.
When you are required to join a sex offender’s list, we will provide you with legal guidance and advice regarding your obligations and rights if you are registered as a sex offender. We can also help you understand the laws and regulations in Florida and advise you on how to comply with these requirements. Call a St. Petersburg sex offender registry attorney today to schedule a consultation.