How Will Registering as a Sex Offender Affect My Life?

 Posted on March 04, 2020 in Sex Crimes

Being convicted of any criminal offense is taken seriously in the state of Illinois. Felonies are the most serious types of crimes, and they come with many stipulations that can impact your life after your conviction. Even if you are convicted of a misdemeanor crime, you will have a criminal record, and you will face a certain stigma from those around you. If you are convicted of an offense that is sexual in nature, the penalties are often even more harsh and unforgiving. If you are found guilty of a sex crime, you can expect your life to be forever changed. Here are a few consequences of a sex crime conviction in Illinois:

• You will be subject to registration requirements for at least 10 years. The state of Illinois requires those who are convicted of certain sex crimes to register as a sex offender every year for a period of 10 years. If you are deemed to be a “sexually dangerous” or “sexually violent” person, you will have to register every 90 days for the duration of your life. If you are deemed to be a “sexual predator,” you must register once a year for the duration of your life. Registration requires you to disclose your name, address, a current photo, place of employment, and all of your online identities, including usernames and email addresses.

• You will not be permitted to visit certain places. If you are a registered child sex offender, you will be prohibited from being on any school property or within 500 feet of school grounds unless you have permission from the school board or superintendent. You will also be forbidden from entering the grounds of any public park or public park building.

• You will have to comply with residency requirements. In Illinois, it is illegal for any child sex offender to live within 500 feet of a school, a playground, or any facility that provides services specifically and exclusively to those who are under the age of 18. You will also have to notify the sex offender registry within three days of moving of your new address if you do move.

• You may be subject to bias or intolerance from family, friends, and the community. One consequence of registering as a sex offender that does not necessarily come from the criminal justice system is how you are perceived when you are released back into the community. It is extremely likely that your friends, family, and other members of the community will be aware of your status, and they may treat you negatively because of it.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

Being convicted of a sex crime can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Even if you are only required to register as a sex offender for 10 years, the effects of the conviction and registration can continue long after that. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law understands the impact that any type of criminal conviction can have on your future. If you have been charged with a sexual offense, you should immediately contact our skilled Arlington Heights, IL sex crimes defense lawyers who can build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Call us today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/faq.cfm

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2009&ChapterID=55