Summerville Sex Offender Registry

Being placed on a sex offender registry can have severe consequences for an individual charged with sex crimes. Registration can disrupt a person’s personal, financial, and professional life.

Regardless of your registration status, your rights still deserve protection. A well-practiced sex crimes lawyer could assess the facts of your case and determine your legal options, potentially including a reduction or even acquittal of charges. Call today to discuss your Summerville sex offender registry case with a legal professional.

Recent Legal Changes Regarding Lifetime Registration

The state Supreme Court recently determined that sex offenders subjected to a lifetime registration requirement were denied due process by being sentenced without a hearing. For a great many registered sex offenders, this changes their legal situation entirely.

Many defendants are now able to speak with an attorney about revisiting their registration requirements. A potential motion for removal from the registry or a motion for a hearing could be options for those wrongfully sentenced to lifetime registration. Any defendant who believes this may apply to them should immediately consult with a seasoned Summerville attorney to safeguard their rights as they pertain to sex offender registration.

Registration Requirements for Those Moving Across States

A defendant that was registered as a sex offender in their old state of residence is required under state law to register again once they move. South Carolina Code § 23-3-340 imposes this requirement on anyone who comes into the state with a sex offender registration requirement.

Regardless of different states’ legislation regarding sex crimes, an individual who is registered in one state is still required to re-register upon moving. Anyone who is registered as a sex offender upon moving to Summerville should consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that all necessary legal steps are taken.

Additional Charges for Failing to Register

If a defendant fails to register as a sex offender as required by law, the offense may constitute an additional criminal charge. The severity of this offense increases with each violation:

• First violation: misdemeanor punishable by up to one year and a day in prison
• Second violation: misdemeanor, but carries a mandatory one year and one day sentence
• Third violation: felony with a mandatory five-year prison sentence, with the possibility of parole after three years

Failure to register is a serious criminal offense. Often, people commit these offenses due to a misunderstanding about requirements or accidental non-compliance. A solid legal defense may help protect a defendant from a charge or may significantly reduce the potential penalties they face.

Registration with False Information in Summerville

Another common additional offense concerns defendants who provide false information during sex offender registration. A defendant who willfully and knowingly provides false information is guilty of another criminal offense. A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, one year in prison, or both. A second offense could result in one year in prison, and a third offense could lead to a five-year prison sentence.

Providing false information is a serious crime. However, defenses to these and other sex offender registry offenses may apply to a defendant’s case. To avoid additional charges associated with improper registration, it is always advisable for a defendant to consult with a lawyer that is well-versed in sex offender registration.

Consult a Sex Offender Registry Attorney in Summerville

Registration requirements for sex offenders are specific and can be tricky to follow. A knowledgeable attorney could guide you through this process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. For those impacted by the recent Supreme Court decision, a lawyer could review your case to determine whether your registration requirements have changed.

To discuss your Summerville sex offender registry case with a skilled attorney, reach out to our office today. Our legal team would be happy to speak with you about your options.