Being convicted of a sexual offense comes with a lot of stigma and social consequences, one of which is being required to register as a sex offender. Certain information on the registry is publicly available, and it may be difficult for you to do certain things you could before. If you are charged with a sexual offense, ask an attorney for help immediately.
Being a registered sex offender means that you cannot live in certain places. You may not live near places where children are likely to congregate, including schools, public parks, community centers, and similar places. You may also face challenges when trying to move, as you must notify the authorities in your current area and the area where you are moving. Similarly, travel outside the state can sometimes be difficult. Although there are no explicit bans on working specific jobs, certain employment opportunities might be out of reach due to your status as a sex offender.
Speak to our Bucks County, PA sex crimes defense lawyers about a free case review by calling Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500.
Restrictions on Where Sex Offenders Can Live
If someone is a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania, they must stay away from places where minors are likely to be. This usually means that a registered sex offender cannot live near schools, parks, community centers, and similar areas where children are likely to be present.
Some people are also forbidden from living near or with children. This might make living with family members difficult if they have children. Also, living in apartment buildings can be hard if there are families with children in the building. If you are unsure of where you can live, our Pennsylvania sex crimes defense lawyers can go over your registration requirements with you.
Even if you can move into a certain neighborhood or building, you may still be required to notify neighbors of your status as a registered sex offender. This can sometimes lead to public humiliation, ostracism, and confrontations with neighbors.
Moving or Relocating as a Sex Offender in Pennsylvania
You might find it difficult or impossible to continue living at your current address after registering as a sex offender. You might have to move, but even this is difficult.
Whenever a registered sex offender moves or otherwise changes their address, they must notify the authorities in their current area, the authorities in the area they are moving to, and update their registration information. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to new criminal charges.
While registered sex offenders are allowed to move, and may even move to different states, the process is legally complex and challenging. It can take time to find a place that is not near locations that are off limits.
Where You Can Work as a Sex Offender
Getting a job after being convicted of a crime that requires you to register as a sex offender can be difficult. Legal restrictions that prevent registered people from being near certain places, like schools or playgrounds, make certain jobs impossible. For example, a registered sex offender can likely never get a job working in a school in any capacity.
Even if certain jobs are not completely off-limits to registered sex offenders, employers may conduct background checks and choose not to hire someone because of a criminal conviction.
Having any sort of serious conviction on your record might preclude you from working. For example, people with convictions often cannot work for the government.
Jobs that require frequent travel might also be difficult. For example, jobs that require frequent travel outside the state may be difficult, as registered offenders may have to notify probation officers before leaving the state. In some cases, the authorities can forbid you from leaving, depending on the reason for the trip.
Restrictions on Internet Activities for Sex Offenders in Pennsylvania
While registered sex offenders must keep a physical distance from certain places or people, the internet may allow them to communicate with anyone regardless of where they are. As such, you might face restrictions on your internet activity.
In Pennsylvania, there are no state laws prohibiting registered sex offenders from using the internet or social media websites. However, that does not mean they are free to use these websites as they please. The authorities tend to be wary of registered sex offenders using social media as they may have access to unsuspecting minors online.
In Pennsylvania, restrictions on social media and internet use may be imposed as part of a convicted person’s probation terms. This means if you are caught using social media in violation of your probation, your probation could be revoked, and you might be sent back to prison.
Even so, restricting internet usage and social media is a balancing act. While you might face some restrictions, blanket restrictions that prevent you from using any social media at all have been deemed unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. It is a violation of your First Amendment right to free speech.
What to Do if You Are Criminally Charged for Violating Restrictions on Sex Offenders
If you are charged with a sex offense, you should call a lawyer at your first opportunity. If you are arrested, the police should give you the chance to call an attorney before they begin questioning you about the alleged offense. Take this chance to contact our legal team for help.
If you are a currently registered sex offender facing penalties, talk to an attorney to figure out what went wrong. Did you do something you were not supposed to, or was it only an honest mistake?
Can the problem be corrected? If so, prosecutors might be willing to drop pr downgrade charges. This may be more likely if this is your first time in trouble. The authorities often do not show leniency for those on the sex offender registry, so you should ask a lawyer to help protect your rights immediately.
Ask Our Pennsylvania Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys for Legal Assistance
Speak to our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers about a free case review by calling Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500.
