Richmond Sex Offender Registry Information
In Richmond and throughout the rest of Virginia, sex crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and child pornography, are treated very seriously and often punished to the full extent of the law. Additionally, in sex crimes cases part of this punishment involving registering as a sex offender which can have long term impacts involving your employment, education, and social status.
Read on to learn more about the Virginia sex offender registry, what it means, and what kind of impact it can have on your life. To learn more or begin building a defense for your case consult with a Richmond sex crimes lawyer today.
Sex Offender Registry
A sex offender registry is a registry that is maintained in Virginia and also throughout the 50 states for individuals that are convicted of sex crimes. In most cases, a conviction of a sexual offense will lead to a lifetime sex offender registration, which is publicly available information that can be obtained through various websites maintained privately and by the government.
The registry in Virginia is maintained by State police and is in fact available nationwide.
Circumstances Where An Individual Will Have To Register As A Sex Offender
You have to register as a sex offender if you are convicted in most if not all sexual crimes. The lowest classification crimes like contributing delinquency of a minor or charges of that nature, will require registration but not necessarily a lifetime registration. However, if it’s what’s considered to be a violent offense or an offense with prior sexual offenses, you will be required to register for your entire life.
How This Determination is Made
The determination for registration and how long you are to register is made by what you are convicted of. If it’s a violent offense or if you’re a recidivist offender, you will be required to register for life. If it’s a lower a classification case, you will be required to register for at least 15 years.
How Being Listed On The Sex Offender Registry Can Impact The Remainder Of An Individual’s Life
The effect of being required to register on the sex offender registry can’t be overstated. Not only are you considered almost immediately to be a social outcast, it can have an effect on your ability to maintain employment or obtain employment. It can also affect your ability to even apply for other jobs. It can further affect where you live. In some instances, there are restrictions on where you can work and where you can reside, whether it’s located through a school or near a daycare. So, the impact of the requirement to register can’t be overstated.
And then in addition to that, if you fail to register in a timely manner, it can result in further felony charges.
