Under the Florida Sexual Predators Act, individuals who have been convicted
of sex crimes are obligated to register as sex offenders in their home
state and any other state they move to in the future. Examples of crimes
that require sex offender registration include
rape, sexual assault, and
child molestation.
A person may fail to register as a sex offender for one of the following reasons:
- They have moved to a different state and choose not to register in order
to avoid the stigma
- They were unaware that they had to register
- They knew they had to register but did not due to an inability to pay the
associated fees
Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Registration must be completed in person at a local sheriff’s office
between two and four times a year in Florida depending on the nature of
the crime. The individual must provide basic information including name,
social security number, date of birth, address, employment information,
and characteristics such as ethnicity, eye color, or hair color. They
will also have to include information on the make, model, and vehicle
identification number of any vehicles they own, as well as phone numbers,
internet providers, email addresses, and even IP addresses. A current
picture and fingerprints will also be taken.
If any of this information changes, the offender is required to re-register
within 48 hours. If their address changes, they are also required to report
to the DMV to request and pay for a new driver’s license to reflect
the permanent or temporary address change.
Penalties for Failing to Register
If a person fails to
register as a sex offender in Florida, they may be charged with a 3rd degree felony. The penalty for this crime is five years in prison and
a fine of up to $5,000. This sentence may be lengthened to up to 15 years
in prison (2nd degree felony) depending on the following factors:
- The individual’s criminal history
- If the individual is a repeat sexual offender
- If the crime is deemed egregious or certain other factors existed
If you have been arrested for failing to register as a sex offender, call
Parks & Braxton, PA right away for a consultation on how we can assist
you with your registration issue. As a failure to register can have very
serious implications for your future, including your ability to find a
job or a place to live, make certain that you do not delay in speaking
with a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney about how we may be able
to mitigate your charges. We’re committed to protecting your liberty
and fighting for your freedom!
Schedule a consultation online, or call us at (954) 519-2290. We’re available 24/7 to assist you.