Crimes That Require Registration as a Sex Offender in Florida
If you’ve been arrested for certain sex crimes, you may already be aware that a conviction carries severe criminal penalties, including prison time, fines, and probation. However, for some of these offenses, Florida’s statute on sex offender registration also applies. You must strictly comply with the requirements, and there are serious sanctions for violating these provisions of the law. In some cases, it may be possible to avoid the consequences or obtain another favorable outcome with the help of a Fort Lauderdale sex crimes defense attorney. In addition, you may find it useful to review a summary of the types of offenses that trigger the requirement to register as a sex offender.
Florida Sex Crimes That Require Registration: There are multiple crimes that qualify you as a sex offender and trigger the registration requirements. They include such offenses as:
- Kidnapping of a child under age 13;
- Human trafficking;
- Luring or enticing a child under the age of 18;
- Child pornography or illegal use of a computer to produce, print, publish, or reproduce child pornography;
- Traveling to meet a minor for unlawful purposes;
- Lewd or lascivious acts committed upon children under 16 years old;
- Lewd or lascivious acts committed upon an elderly or disabled person; and,
- Many more.
In addition, keep in mind that the registration requirements also apply if you were convicted for the same or similar crime in another state. There are also mandatory provisions for some offenses committed by juveniles. Still, you should note that the classification as an “offender” is distinct from a sexual predator, which is subject to a separate statute.
Information Required by Florida’s Sex Offender Registration Laws: The statute requires you to register with their local sheriff’s department after you serve your sentence, or are otherwise released from custody if you didn’t receive jail time. You must provide such details as:
- Your legal name and any other names you’ve used in the past;
- Your residential address, any temporary addresses, and details regarding your place of work;
- Social Security and driver’s license numbers;
- Other information required by the statute or local officials.
Besides providing this information to authorities initially, you must also maintain your registration details on a periodic basis and any time you relocate within Florida. The requirements remain for your lifetime if you continue living in the state, and most other US states have similar mandates.
Consult with a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer About Your Case
Considering the complicated nature of Florida law on sex offenses, as well as the extensive ramifications of a conviction, retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney is critical. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, please contact the Law Offices of Kevin J. Kulik in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A member of our team can get started on potential defense strategies after reviewing your unique circumstances.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0943/Sections/0943.0435.html
https://www.kevinkuliklaw.com/failing-to-register-under-floridas-sex-crimes-laws/