An Overview of Sex Offender Registration

The state and federal government has enacted harsh penalties for sex offenders, especially when the person commits a crime against children. Part of the sanctions against a convicted sex offender includes mandatory and permanent registration as a sex offender. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 tightened up already strict requirements even more. All states must comply with minimum federal standards related to time frames for registration, in-person confirmations and any personal information that the public can access. Our sex crimes attorney in Nashville can provide you with additional information on how these laws could affect you.

Requirements for Registration

The laws on who must register as a sex offender vary by state. Many states include a person convicted of committing a violent offense or crime against a child. Some examples might include rape, peeping, prostitution of a minor, sexual battery and kidnapping. However, this list is far from exhaustive, and our sex crimes lawyer in Nashville can provide you with information on registering as it relates to your specific conviction.

Registration Time Frames

The offender must register within three days of their release from jail or prison. He or she is required to register in person at the sheriff’s office. Although they might use different terminology, most states place offenders in three categories: low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk. A low-risk offender might be required to register for 15 years but could ask to have his name taken off the registry after 10 years in some cases. The medium-risk offender and high-risk offender must comply with lifetime registration. Clarify this information with your attorney, because the requirements can change.

Details About Registration

An offender needs to give the sheriff’s office specific information, such as their name, contact information, employment, birthday, gender, race, weight, height, hair and eye color and driver’s license number. He or she must also provide their fingerprints, information about the crime they committed and a current photo.

Taking Your Name Off the Registry

You need to be pardoned or have your conviction removed in order to take your name off the registry. Even so, you will need to wait at least 10 years before you can petition the state for this privilege. It is up to the court if they will grant the request. The person must show he or she has been compliant with registration, law-abiding, and is no longer a threat to public safety. However, the prosecution will challenge your request to remove your name from the registry.

Working With a Sex Crimes Attorney in Nashville

The stigma of sex offender registration can follow you for years. If you want additional information on how to remove your name from the registry, call Horst Law at .