Sex offender registration is considered to be a “collateral consequence” of convictions of sexual crimes in Florida. This means that the courts don’t have to warn you that you could be required to register as a sex offender by pleading guilty or after conviction. Therefore, many defendants don’t realize that by pleading guilty, they are solidifying their impending registration. If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Florida, you may be wondering how exactly a sex offender registration is going to impact you, and for how long. Here’s what you need to know:
How to Be Removed from the Florida Sex Offender Registry
Unlike many other states where a sex offender registration disappears after a certain amount of time, sex offenders in Florida will remain on the list for life. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to have your name taken off the registry. A few options to have your name removed from the Florida sex offender registry are:
- Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law: This was created out of concern for high schoolers participating in consensual sexual relationships.
- Post-conviction relief: This may occur if a court overturns the conviction that triggered your registration.
- 25-year rule: Depending on the severity of your offense, you may petition to have your name removed provided you have not been arrested for 30 years or longer after your conviction.
- Full pardon: Achieving a pardon is difficult and may require a long wait, but an experienced attorney may be able to change the odds in your favor.
Having a name removed from the Florida sex offender registry is by no means an easy task. Removal is not automatic and will require the assistance of an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney, but the stakes are high and it may be worth the battle.
What Information Does the Florida Sex Offender Registry Include?
If you are convicted of a sexual offense in Florida, regardless of the severity of your crime, your details will be made available to the public. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, some of the information you will need to provide for your registry includes your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Identifying traits like height, weight, gender, hair color, and eye color
- Home address
- Work address
- A recent photograph of yourself
- Fingerprints
- Description of the crime(s)
- Telephone number
- Vehicle information
- Immigration status
- Tattoos or other identifying marks
- Email addresses
- Social media accounts
All information needs to be kept up to date at all times. If a sex offender from another state visits Florida for more than three days in a single year, they will also need to provide this information to the state. All out-of-state sex offenders visiting Florida are required to register themselves within 48 hours of arriving.
What Can a Florida Sex Offender Registration Impact?
The state of Florida boasts some of the strictest sex offender laws in the country, meaning if you are convicted, there will be severe implications. Registration on the Florida sex offender list could impact:
- Where you can live
- Who will rent or sell to you
- Whether you can receive a loan
- Your chances of securing a job
- Society’s perception of you
- Your mental health
- Relationships with your friends and family
Some defendants mention that registering as a sex offender can feel worse than the other penalties they’re facing.
Discuss Sex Offender Registry Removal Options with a West Palm Beach Defense Attorney
Serving the West Palm Beach and Jupiter communities for over 30 years, Attorney Brian Gabriel has defended numerous clients with their sexual offense cases. He knows that your reputation and future are riding on the outcome of your case and will do everything he can to fight for your best interests.
The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel specializes in all criminal defense matters, from sexual offenses to domestic violence to DUIs. Protect yourself and your future by contacting Brian Gabriel today. Call (561) 622-5575 or complete a online contact form to schedule a free consultation for your sexual offense case.