Saturday, May 16, 2009

Understanding Megan's Law - Sex Offender Registration and Internet Database

California has seen many changes in sex crime laws and sex offender registration over the past decade. Those facing sex crime charges in California are subject to more penalties and pressures above and beyond a courtroom trial, prison time, or fines. Depending on the case and the consequences of the sex crime conviction, an individual may be required by Megan's Law to register as a sex offender. California's Megan's Law was enacted in 1996 to allow local law enforcement agencies to inform the public about sex offender registrants found to be posing a threat to the public. As of recent years, the public has access to the location, names, and photographs of "certain" sex offenders in their community on the Internet.

Such personal and public disclosure is determined by the type of sex crime a person was required to register under. Not every registered sex offender is required to be on this Internet website. In fact, about twenty-five percent of registered sex offenders are excluded from public disclosure by law. Based on the sex crime, the information required to be disclosed on the website falls into the categories of zip code, conditional home address, and home address.

Internet Sex Offender Regulations

It is important to note that Megan's Law is meant to protect families and children - not as an additional means to punish the sex offender. Nevertheless, it can be a devastating experience for a person to face the shame and embarrassment that comes along with registering as a sex offender and having personal information about them on the Internet, especially after fulfilling the legal prison sentence, fine, or any other appointed punishment.

In addition, it is against the law to misuse the available offender information on the Internet to harass or commit any crime against the offender. In fact, if someone uses the data on the website to commit a felony against the offender, a prison term of at least five years can ensue. If a misdemeanor is committed against the offender by using the website's information, fines from $10,000 up to $50,000 can result. Those who are required to register as a sex offender on the Internet face fines up to $1000, imprisonment in a county jail up to six months, or both, if they fail to enter their information on the website (Pen. Code, § 290.46, (h)(2).

Standards for Exclusion from the Internet Website

Determining if a sex offender registrant qualifies for exclusion from the Internet website is up to the Sex Offender Tracking Program. You can apply for exclusion by completing and submitting a form to the California Department of Justice. Registered sex offenders who receive exclusion from the website must still register as sex offenders. That is why if you have been arrested for a sex crime in California, you need a top California criminal defense attorney who can help you appeal your sentence, prevent sex crime registration, or reduce your conviction from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Registrants whose sex offenses are for the following offenses may apply for exclusion:

Registrants whose sex offenses are for the following offenses may apply for exclusion:

• Any offense which did not involve penetration or oral copulation in which the victim was a child, sibling of the offender, grandchild, stepchild, and for which the offender successfully completed or is successfully completing probation

• Sexually battery by restraint (Penal Code § 243.4, (a))

• Misdemeanor child molestation (Penal Code § 647.6, or former section 647a)

If you want to ensure that your efforts to remove your information from the sex offender website do not go to waste, you need a knowledgeable and skilled California criminal defense attorney. For over 30 years, the experienced California criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been helping individuals charged with sex crimes get their life back and defend their pride. Contact us at 888 749-0034 or fill out our online consultation form.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_J_Wallin

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