There are a number of sex crimes that require convicted offenders to register as a sex offender. Some crimes will only require offenders to register for 10 years, while others will require lifetime registration. The severity of the charges and certain details about the victim and the crime can increase the amount of time offenders are required to register for.
Types of Sex Offenders
In Indiana, sex offenders and violent offenders share a registry. There are 4 categories an offender may fall into on the registry, and three of them relate to sex crimes. These categories are:
- Sex offender
- Offenders against children
- Sexually violent predators
The specifics of your offense will determine what category you fall into. Using force, threatening force, or previous convictions can cause you to be defined as a sexually violent predator. Committing sexual or violent offenses against children is handled similarly to the penalties for sexually violent predators.
Offenses that require sex offender registration include:
- Rape
- Child exploitation
- Child molestation
- Vicarious sexual gratification
- Child solicitation or seduction
- Sexual misconduct with a minor
- Incest
- Sexual battery
- Kidnapping of a minor
- Criminal confinement of a minor
- Possession of child pornography
- Promoting prostitution
- Promoting the trafficking of minors
- Sexual trafficking of a minor
- Human trafficking of a minor
- Sexual misconduct by a service provider
- Conspiracy to commit a sex crime
Depending on the severity of your crime, you could be facing a lifetime registration as a sex offender. If you are sentenced to lifetime registration, you will be facing a lifetime of stigma. You will also be required to take steps to inform your local law enforcement in every county where you live, work, volunteer, study, or own property, and keep them up-to-date on your travel plans and current residence. Frequent contact with police is mandatory, and you will have limited time to inform them of any changes in your life. Many details of your personal life and information will become public record, and can be searched by anyone who cared to look.
Registration as a sex offender can harm your reputation and cause you to lose employment, housing, and educational opportunities. You may also face the social implications of being a registered sex offender, which can harm your relationships, standing in the community, and ability to participate in activities. You may lose job offers, be denied housing, and be forced to relocate to meet legal requirements. If you are seeking a divorce or are fighting for custody of your children, your status as a sex offender can work against you. There are many consequences of registration, which stretch far beyond the legal penalties of your conviction.
If you have been charged with a sex crime, there is no time to waste. Speak with our experienced Fort Wayne sex crimes defense attorneys today. We can help you plan a strategic and aggressive defense and ensure that your rights are respected. With more than 75 years of collective experience, our legal team at Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. has a trial- tested and proven record of success.
Start your case with a free phone consultation. Contact a member of our team by calling (888) 912-7220.