As of May 15, 2014, a man is wanted in Clermont County for failing to provide a change of address. The individual is a registered sex offender due to a conviction in 2000 of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Thus, as a convicted sex offender he must immediately provide any change of address to the proper authorities.
When an individual is convicted of a sex crime, there is a mistaken belief that after the prison sentence is served everything goes back to normal. However, that is not the case as sex offenders must adhere to daunting registration requirements. The situation above proves that even after incarceration, registered sex offenders still face many consequences stemming from any sex-related conviction.
Ramifications of Sex Offender Registration
Being a registered sex offender changes a person's entire life. The freedoms that most take for granted, are completely taken away from a registered sex offender. For example: a registered sex offender is restricted on where he or she may reside in a community. He or she must remain a certain distance away from establishments where children frequent, such as schools and day cares. Further, the individual must comply with all court orders regarding registration.
These requirements include:
- Frequently checking in with the justice system to verify personal as well as identifying information
- Immediately providing any change of address, which includes re-registering with local law enforcement each time a residence is changed, even if the residence is in a completely different state.
- In addition, there are a variety of other requirements that can be placed on the individual depending on the jurisdiction.
Other Effects of Sex Crime Convictions
Sex offenders also face several collateral effects outside the registration process. For example, it may be difficult to secure a good paying job. It is extremely challenging for a sex offender to find employment because most employers will not hire an individual who has committed a felony, much less an individual who has been convicted a sexually based felony. Further, if the sex crime was a felony, then he or she will lose many additional rights. These may include the right to vote, the right to hold public office, the right to bear arms, and the right to serve on jury duty. In addition, there may be restrictions on traveling abroad as other countries can refuse entry due to a criminal record, as well as restrictions on applying for grants, living in public housing, or receiving any governmental assistance.
The most personal restraint encountered by a registered sex offender is their personal information being placed on the state's sex offender database website. This website can be accessed by anyone in the world with an internet connection and will contain a picture of the individual, the crime committed, and the individual's current address.
Being convicted of a sex crime places a permanent stain on an individual's life. A registered sex offender must endure the consequences listed above anywhere from a few years up through their entire lifetime, depending on the jurisdiction. Failure to comply with any of the strict registration requirements will send the individual right back to jail for an additional charge. Since the requirements can be so complex and difficult to understand it is essential that any individual who has been charged with a sex crime in Cincinnati, even a false allegation, retain a criminal defense attorney to protect their rights.
Contact Bleile & Dawson today to discuss your rights and options.