Lifetime Sex Offender Registration Under California Penal Code 290 Can Have Devastating Impacts

California Penal Code 290, also known as the “sex offender registration act”, requires those convicted of certain sex offenses to register as a sex offender with the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction that they live for the rest of their lives.  Very serious crimes like rape and child molestation require registration as do less serious crimes such as indecent exposure.  Regardless of what crime you were convicted of that requires you to register, registration as a sex offender period can have devastating impact that can destroy your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Sex offender registration is akin to a modern day scarlet letter that can impact all areas of your life.  Registered sex offenders can’t live within 200 feet of schools, parks, or places where children “regularly gather”.  Registered sex offenders often have to list their status as a sex offender on job and rental applications and can make it seemingly impossible to find employment or rent an apartment.  Many sex offenders are listed on the Meghan’s Law website where anyone in the public can learn of their status as a sex offender and the crime that they were convicted of.  This can seriously impact your reputation in the community and can create an atmosphere of paranoia and hatred toward you in your community.  Failing to register on time very single year, even if you’re only late by one day, can lead to a felony charge and time in state prison.

The requirement of registering a sex offender in California can adversely impact the rest of your life. If you or a loved one is a registered sex offender or is facing sex crimes charges in Southern California, it is important that you contact an experienced sex crimes attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience in handling all types of sex crimes. Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable in sex crimes law. We will aggressively fight to defend your rights and get you the best possible result in your case. Call us today at (888) 749-0034 or contact us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.