Convicted sex offenders in Georgia have to face severe penalties, and among the most severe punishments for sex crimes, sex offender registration tops the list. The sex offender registry in Georgia is accessible by the public and significantly determines where the convicted person can work, live, or pass by.
Sex offender registration affects your freedom, ability to seek employment and comes with a stigma that limits you from creating friendships and relationships. If you face sex crime allegations, it is essential to contact a Georgia sex crimes attorney to understand your legal options.
Who Should Feature on the Sex Offender Registry?
Georgia laws require individuals convicted of a sex crime to register as sex offenders. Only misdemeanor cases and certain offenses presented before the juvenile court are exempted from this rule. Some of the sex crimes that may require one to register as a sex offender include:
- Statutory rape
- Child pornography
- Sex trafficking
- Child molestation
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Sodomy
- Enticing a minor indecently
- Exploiting a minor sexually
- Incest
- Electronically transmitting obscene content to minors.
Sex offender registration involves submitting your name, race, date of birth, height, gender, weight, or even aliases. Since the information is accessible publicly, potential landlords and employers can use it to deny housing or employment.
Risk Levels
The sex offender risk is something the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board will evaluate based on the offender’s likelihood of committing a similar sex crime. Sex offenders in Georgia are classified into three levels of risk:
- Level I: This category comprises low-risk offenders or those who are less likely to commit repeat offenses.
- Level II: This risk category includes sex offenders posing a moderate risk to society and are likely to commit a repeat offense. Offenders with repeat sexual violations can also be classified under this category.
- Level III: The risk level comprises sex offenders who pose the highest risk to society. These individuals should wear a monitoring device throughout their lives.
Requirements after Sex Offender Registration
Registering as a sex offender can affect your life drastically. You may not have the freedom to live, work, or pass by some locations. For instance, if you’re a registered sex offender, you may not be allowed to reside 1000 feet near a school, playground, or childcare facility.
You also can’t secure employment or volunteer at a school or an institution 1000 feet near these facilities. Further civil liability and penalties may be the repercussions for failing to keep the distance.
Schedule a Consultation with a Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney
Being placed on a sex offender registration is a serious punishment for sex crimes in Georgia. It could affect your freedom to live or work in the short-term and long-term. Therefore, if you face a sex crime case in Georgia, it is essential to contact a competent lawyer to help you navigate the situation to achieve a favorable outcome.
At The Bullard Law Firm, we will offer the support you need to petition or modify risk levels and possibly advocate for your removal from the registry. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help fight for your rights.
