Sex offender registries are can have detrimental impacts on the life of an individual. Whether it be from a false conviction or a regrettable mistake, there are a number of reasons someone may be motivated to seek the help of an attorney to get off this list. Reach out to a West Chester criminal defense attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices today to learn more about your options.
What Is a Sex Offender Registry
A sex offender registry is a database containing the names of individuals who have committed a sex crime. In the state of Pennsylvania, this registry is formed and maintained by state law enforcement as a way to keep a community within a certain geographical area informed of local sex offenders. In Pennsylvania, along with many other states, this system is a derivative of “Megan’s Law.” According to state law, Megan’s Law mandates sex offender registration and community notification in the case that someone is convicted of a sex crime.
The Long-Term Implications of Sex Crimes
As there are different levels of severity of a sex crime committed, different amounts of time someone is required to stay on a registry are scaled accordingly:
- Tier 1: 15 years until removal
- Tier 2: 25 years until removal
- Tier 3: Indefinitely/No automatic removal
There are many different types of crimes that are considered sexual in nature by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Understanding them could give a better idea of when a judge may be able to remove one’s name from the sex offender registry.
- Sexual Assault
- Statutory Rape
- Date Rape
- Spousal Rape
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Online Solicitation of a Minor
- Child Pornography
- Child Sexual Assault
- Child Molestation
- And more…
Can an Attorney Help Get my Name Off the Registry?
Technically speaking, it is possible to get one’s name removed from the sex offender registry list. Removing someone’s name usually requires that the conviction is set aside, reversed, pardoned, or vacated – actions possible only on a case-by-case basis. Of course, it is always recommended to enlist the help of an attorney to prevent a conviction for a sex crime, although this is sometimes too far gone.
The presence of someone’s name on the registry can have serious impacts on their life. Simply moving away is not enough, as convicted offenders are required to register wherever they move which, in turn, alerts those in their immediate vicinity. Similar mandates require someone to alert their status to new employers or educational institutions. This ultimately subjects someone to the social stigma of being a convicted sex offender, which is exactly why so many turn to lawyers to handle their cases.
Driven to Serve and Ready to Fight, Ciccarelli Is by Your Side
Similar to most topics regarding the law, determining concrete truths, such as when someone will be able to get off the Pennsylvania sex offender registry, is complex. No matter the circumstances, it is heavily recommended by professionals to seek the assistance of West Chester criminal defense attorneys. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we offer free consultations and a number of services to help defend the rights of our clients. Call (480) 613-2633 at your earliest convenience to learn more.