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Miami, Florida Sex Offender Registration Violation Lawyer

Attorney Helping Address Charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in Miami

A person who has been convicted of a sex crime will need to meet a number of different conditions. The requirement to register as a sex offender will remain in place after a person has been released from prison, while they are still under probation or supervision, and even after they have completed their sentence. In some cases, a sex offender may face restrictions for the rest of their life.

Failure to meet the obligations associated with sex offender registration can result in new criminal charges. These felony offenses can lead to serious penalties, and a person may face prison time, probation, and additional restrictions. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors in Miami treat violations of sex offender registration requirements very seriously. Even if a person made a minor mistake or delayed in registering when required, they could be arrested and face serious penalties and restrictions.

At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, we work with clients in cases involving sex crime charges. In addition to helping defend against sex crime convictions, we can take steps to address accusations that a person has failed to register as a sex offender. These cases can be complex, especially for those who may not fully understand their obligations or who have made honest errors or mistakes. Our attorney will provide strong legal defense, working to help clients avoid the harshest penalties while protecting their freedom and their future.

Florida's Sex Offender Registration Requirements

According to Florida Statutes Section 943.0435, a person must register as a sex offender if they have been convicted of certain types of offenses in Florida or another state. Registration requirements apply to both adults and certain juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent for qualifying offenses.

Convictions that may require sex offender registration include:

Once a person is required to register, they must follow strict procedures. They will be required to register in person at a local sheriff's office within 48 hours of establishing residency. When registering, they must provide personal and identifying information such as their address, employment, school enrollment, telephone numbers for their home and work, vehicle information, and email addresses or internet identifiers. Any changes to this information must be reported within 48 hours.

A sex offender registration must be renewed multiple times per year. The frequency of registration will depend on the specific offense and whether a person is classified as a sexual predator.

A registered sex offender will face restrictions on where they can live and work. They will usually be prohibited from working in jobs that involve interactions with children, and a residence or place of employment may need to be a certain distance away from schools, parks, child care centers, or other locations where children are likely to be. Restrictions on travel may also apply. Failure to follow any of these requirements may result in new felony charges, even years after completing the sentence for the original conviction.

Duration of Registration Requirements

In Florida, sex offender registration is typically a lifetime requirement. There are very limited circumstances under which a person may petition for removal from the registry. This will usually only be possible after meeting strict conditions or receiving a full pardon or post-conviction relief. To be eligible for removal from the sex offender registry, at least 25 years must have passed since the completion of the person's sentence, and they must not have been arrested for any misdemeanor or felony offense during that time.

Penalties for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

If a person fails to meet any of the requirements that apply to them as a registered sex offender, they could be charged with a third-degree felony. If convicted, a person could be sentenced to up to five years in prison, and they may be required to pay fines of up to $5,000.

If a prison sentence is not imposed, a person may be subject to community control and supervision by law enforcement, including electronic monitoring. A first offense will require electronic monitoring for a minimum of six months. For a second offense, electronic monitoring will last for at least one year, and a third or subsequent offense will require monitoring for at least two years.

Some common reasons for charges of sex offender registration violations include:

  • Failing to report a change of address within 48 hours
  • Not registering after moving to Florida from another state
  • Omitting information related to employment or internet accounts when registering with law enforcement
  • Providing false or incomplete information on registration documents
  • Failing to renew registration as required within the designated time periods

Violations may be discovered through routine compliance checks, law enforcement investigations, or reports from the public. Accusations that a person has committed violations can be serious, since they may lead to harsher restrictions and prevent a person from being removed from the sex offender registry in the future.

Defending Against Charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

In many cases, alleged sex offender registration violations involve misunderstandings, missed deadlines, or confusing legal obligations. Our lawyer can provide a legal defense for people who are facing these accusations. He can take steps to:

  • Demonstrate that a person was not properly notified of their registration obligations
  • Show that a violation was unintentional or was the result of a mistake
  • Provide evidence of a person's efforts to comply with the law
  • Identifying procedural errors that affected a person's ability to register or led to false accusations of violations
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or resolve a case without a prison sentence
  • Help ensure that a person meets their requirements and will be able to avoid future violations

In many cases, our lawyer can work with courts and law enforcement officials to correct violations while avoiding serious penalties. His goal is to prevent incarceration, avoid a new felony conviction, and make sure a person will be able to meet all legal requirements going forward.

Contact Our Miami, FL Sex Offender Registration Violation Defense Attorney

When dealing with accusations of failing to register as a sex offender or violations of registration requirements and restrictions, Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney can provide effective legal representation. We will work to resolve your case while minimizing the negative effects on your life. Contact our Miami sex offender registry violation defense lawyer at 305-615-1285 to arrange a free consultation.

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