Florida retains some of the harshest sex offender laws in the U.S. Despite scant evidence that sex offender registries protect communities or reduce the number of sexual offenses committed, those who have been convicted of certain sexual offenses are required to register as a sex offender in the state, regardless of the severity of the specific crime. All sexual offenders and predators face the same consequences — and stigma — of registering as a sex offender, whether a person committed a violent sexual crime or had consensual sex with a minor.
Mandatory sex offender registration treats sexual offenders and predators equally when there is a wide spectrum of offenders and offenses. Florida’s sex offender laws stigmatize those who make a one-time mistake or are completely unaware that they are doing anything wrong. In Florida, for example, an 18 year old student could be convicted of a sexual offense for having consensual sex with a 16 year old.
Some offenses for which you could be required to register as a sex offender include:
- Kidnapping
- Lewd or lascivious offenses
- Sexual misconduct
- False imprisonment
- Soliciting a minor for sex
- Transmitting pornography by electronic device or equipment
- Sexual battery
- Luring or enticing a child
- Sexual battery
- Selling or buying of minors into sex trafficking or prostitution
- Video voyeurism of a minor
- Sexual performance of a child
- Human trafficking
Sexual Offender vs. Sexual Predator
All sexual offenders must report to a local sheriff’s office at least twice a year each year for the rest of their lives. A sexual predator is designated as such by the state. This designation is reserved for the most threatening offenders who have been convicted of a first-degree felony or two or more second-degree felony sex crimes, in addition to those convicted of capital sex crimes. These offenders must report to the local sheriff’s or local police department to renew their registrations four times each year. In turn, the local sheriff’s office or police department is required to notify the community about the predator’s presence. This is not required for most general sex offenders.
Convicted sexual offenders must report to the local police or sheriff’s office twice a year and must provide an ample amount of personal information. A convicted sex offender must report and submit:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Physical description
- Home and employment address
- A recent photograph
- Fingerprints
Registration as a sex offender is for life and carries enormous consequences, even after you have served your time. Sex offenders in Florida often struggle to obtain housing, employment, and may face obstacles in many parts of life long after they have paid their debt to society. If you have been convicted of a sexual offense in West Palm Beach, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney about the possibility of sex offender registration. Attorney Brian Gabriel has worked tirelessly to defend those accused of sexual offenses in Palm Beach County for over 30 years and can work on a solid defense strategy for your case. Call 561-566-5575 for a free legal consultation or schedule one online.