College Park Sex Offender Registry
The sex offender registry is a government list that is available online. This list is searchable by the public and is meant to offer protection to locals so they can be aware of potentially dangerous people in their community. The government places anyone who the court convicts of a sex offense on the list. Sex offenses can range from rape to prostitution to possession of child pornography.
If your name appears on a sex offender registry, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. Once you are on the list, your best course of action is to obtain information.
It can be challenging to navigate the rules related to the sex offender registry. If you can avoid ever being on the list, that would be the most helpful. However, if the government lists you, reach out to a College Park sex offender registry lawyer to learn more about what it means and about what options you may have.
Sex Offender Registry Convictions
The government only places a person on the sex offender registry after the government convicts that person. A conviction includes a judge or jury finding a defendant guilty of a sexual crime, and when a defendant pleads guilty. But in College Park, a conviction also covers when the court issues probation before judgment, a court finds a person not criminally responsible for the act, and a defendant pleads Nolo Contendere. Nolo Contendere means the defendant is not confessing guilt, but the defendant is also not contesting the issue.
Sex Offender Registry Tier System
In College Park, there is a tier system for the sex offender registry which related to how much time a person’s name appears on the list. Even if the governments convicted someone of a sex crime before the sex offender rules were passed, the laws retroactively apply.
Tier I
The first level is the least restrictive. Tier I people must stay on the list for 15 years. The people on this list may have a conviction for the following acts:
- Voyeurism
- Possession of child pornography
- Misuse of the internet
- Sex trafficking sex
- Other fourth-degree sex offenses
Tier II
Anyone on the second tier must register as a sex offender for 25 years. Some of the acts which may cause a person to be on this level are:
- Sale of a minor
- Distribution of child pornography
- Other third-degree sex offenses
Tier III
The third level is a lifetime requirement of registration. Convictions for these most serious sex crimes require a person be on this list:
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Assault or murder with the intention to rape
- Incest
- Other first and second-degree sex offenses
Removal from the Sex Offender Registry
It is possible to have a name removed from the list, but only in limited circumstances. If a registered sex offender dies, receives a pardon from the government or has their record expunged, the government can remove their name. A person may also request that the government remove their name if they relocate to another state. However, most states will require that person to list there when they move.
Learn More About the College Park Sex Offender Registry
One of the punishments related to a sex crimes conviction is the sex offender registry. Some people may not be aware of the list until after they are on it. If your name is on the list or you are fearful that you are at risk of having to register, information may be vital.
A lawyer may be able to explain to you what it means to be on the College Park sex offender registry and ways you can avoid being on the list or requesting that the government remove your name. The harm to your reputation and ability to live in certain places may be considerable.