Aiken County Sex Offender Registry

The requirement to register with the State as a sex offender goes hand-in-hand with many sex crime convictions. Once you are on the Aiken County sex offender registry, it can be tough to get yourself removed.  Registration can impact many facets of your life, including employment, housing, and your personal reputation. However, you are not without options in a sex offender registry case. A skilled lawyer could help you understand your case and even assist you with pursuing removal from the registry entirely. Call today to learn more.

Crimes that Require Registration in Aiken County

State law specifically identifies which Aiken County sex crimes involve registration. Some of the more common offenses cataloged in S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-430 include:

• Sex offenses involving minors
• Sexual battery
• Kidnapping of a minor
• Certain spousal abuse crimes
• Child pornography

An individual could also be directed to register as a sex offender for offenses not listed under state law, depending on the prosecution’s case. It is crucial to work with a seasoned attorney who could fight back against the prosecution’s argument that the defendant should be added to the registry.

Implications of Sex Offender Registration

The State requires those sentenced for most sex-related crimes to register their whereabouts and other personal information. Those accused of a covered sex crime anywhere in the U.S. or even in a foreign jurisdiction must abide by the rules established in South Carolina Code Annotated §§ 23-3-430-23-3-480.

The State insists on registering specific individuals with a sex offense history who are present in the State for a total of 30 days within a twelve-month period. This rule means that anyone residing, working, going to school, or owning real property in Aiken County during this timeframe must abide by the registration requirements.

Obligations Owed by Affected Individuals

S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-450 and 23-3-460 impose the following burdens on sex offenders:

• Biannual notification of the individual’s address
• Reporting changes of address
• Maintaining a current picture
• In-person registration

The information on this registry is available to the public.

The Length of Time a Person is on the Registry

S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-460 states that the biannual registration is for the life of the offender, with no opportunity for review. However, a recent South Carolina Supreme Court ruling found this mandate unconstitutional and ordered the legislature to address the lack of ongoing judicial review. Those with sex offenses on their records should get in touch with an experienced lawyer to determine how this ruling may affect their status as a registered sex offender in Aiken County.

Repercussions for Violating Registry Requirements

Failure to fulfill the notice, check-ins, and other mandates of the registry law could lead to additional criminal charges after sex offender registration. First offenses are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 366 days, or both. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-470(B) penalizes second offenders with mandatory prison terms of 366 days, and offenders who repeat this conduct three or more times to felony charges carrying mandatory prison sentences of five years.

Providing false registry information to authorities is a misdemeanor the first and second time it occurs but a felony for additional infractions. Those found guilty of this misdeed face fines of $1,000 and imprisonment for 366 days to five years.

It is important for Aiken County defendants to understand their obligations when subject to these sex offender registry requirements. A knowledgeable defense attorney could provide guidance and ensure that an individual does not incur additional charges.

Fight for Your Rights to Stay Off of the Aiken County Sex Offender Registry

The best way to avoid being listed on the Aiken County sex offender registry is to fight the original sex crime accusations vigorously. Our criminal defense team understands the importance of fighting for an acquittal or reducing the charges to avoid becoming a registered sex offender. If you are already listed on the sex offender registry, a lawyer could help you fight for removal and work to protect your rights and reputation. Contact our office today to get started on your case.