3 Rules Convicted Sex Offenders Must Follow in California

a girl looking behind her at two boys following herIn California, those convicted of sex crimes are subject to stringent rules under California law designed to monitor and manage their integration back into society. These rules, shaped by legislative acts such as Senate Bill (SB) 384, aim to categorize offenders into a tier system, dictating the duration and specifics of their registration requirements. Understanding these rules provides insight into the balance California seeks to strike between public safety and rehabilitation opportunities for offenders.

If you have been accused of illegal sexual behavior and you’re worried about being forced to become a registered sex offender, not all hope is lost. An attorney from Aron Law Firm can support you in many ways throughout this difficult time, reducing the severity of penalties and consequences related to your accusations. We encourage you to retain our support and get in touch with us as soon as possible to begin fighting for and protecting your rights.

Do I Have to Become a Registered Sex Offender?

Registered sex offenders are subjected to strict regulations in California. Because of this, convicted sex offenders are banned from partaking in some activities, holding particular jobs, and living in certain places.

However, you do not need to face the full severity of penalties just because you have been accused of being a sex offender. A sex crime lawyer from Aron Law Firm can support you in this difficult time and fight the accusation that you are a sex offender.

Being suspected of a sex crime in California is a serious matter that should never be taken lightly. Even if the accusations are completely false, now is the time to contact a criminal defense attorney, as you could still face severe, lifelong penalties if convicted.

When you partner with an Aron Law Firm sex crime lawyer, we will create a solid defense strategy for your case. Please contact us if you want to protect your rights and avoid unnecessary penalties and restrictions related to being a registered sex offender.

What Rules Do Sex Offenders in California Have to Follow?

Few criminal charges can upturn your life and destroy your reputation, like a sexual offense. Convictions for these types of crimes not only come with tough social stigmas but legal regulations as well. Additionally, sex offender residency restrictions dictate where convicted sex offenders can live, often prohibiting them from residing near schools or parks.

Sex Offenders in California Must Publicly Register Online

Under California Penal Code 290 and Megan’s Law, anyone convicted of a sex crime in the state must register themselves on the California Megan’s Law Website, where their information (including their name, photo, and other identifying information) will remain for many years, depending on the conviction.

According to California Senate Bill (SB) 384:

  • A Tier 1 sex offender must maintain their registration for a minimum of 10 years.
  • A Tier 2 sex offender must maintain their registration for a minimum of 20 years.
  • A Tier 3 sex offender must maintain their registration for life.

Sex offender registration information must be updated with the local authorities every year or any time the offender moves to a new address. Those deemed “sexually violent” must update their information every 90 days.

California Sex Offenders Must Disclose Their Status When Working with Children

Registered sex offenders in California who receive or apply for a paid or volunteer position that entails working directly with minor children must disclose their sex offender information to the organization or employer at the time of their application or acceptance of the position.

However, if any sex crimes convictions involved a minor under the age of 16, they are prohibited from applying for or accepting a position that entails working directly with a minor.

Sex Offenders Are Restricted on Where They May Live

In general, registered sex offenders are restricted from places where children tend to congregate. Living or working within 1,000 feet of a school or park is prohibited for most California sex offenders.

Registered sex offenders, in addition to disclosing where they frequent and reside, are also subject to this limitation as well. Violating this offense as a sex offender may come with penalties, including up to a year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000, and the local law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing these restrictions.

How Can an Attorney Support You in Your Legal Battles Related to Sex Offenses?

If you have been subjected to any sex offenses and want to avoid the negative aspects of sex offender registration law, you do not have to face legal matters alone. While the California penal code can be harsh, we can support you.

Rather than fighting to represent yourself alone, we recommend you work with an attorney instead. A lawyer from Aron Law Firm can support you in many ways throughout the process, including but not limited to the following:

  • Conduct an independent investigation
  • Negotiate with every party
  • Prepare your case for court
  • Collect evidence
  • Consult with experts
  • Assure that all documents are filed correctly and in a timely manner
  • Communicate with the other parties on your behalf
  • Organize and present the evidence
  • Access research methods and tools only available to legal professionals
  • Quicker delivery of documents from any local law enforcement agencies
  • An understanding of the legal system and how to make it work for you
  • Interview witnesses
  • Help formulate a plea
  • Evaluate potential sentences
  • Review search and seizure procedures

We encourage you to refrain from representing yourself during these legal matters. If you represent yourself, you may face many unnecessary consequences that not all people convicted of sexual offenses should. To reduce the odds of residency restrictions, joining a sex registry, lifetime registration, and other consequences associated with severe sex crimes and expansive criminal history, please contact us.

A lawyer from Aron Law Firm can support you in many ways, with many different kinds of cases.

What Kinds of Sex Offender Cases Does Aron Law Firm Handle?

We handle sexual offense cases involving indecent exposure, sexual battery, unlawful sexual intercourse, misdemeanor sex offenses, child pornography, continuous sexual abuse, lewd acts, gang rape, a habitual sex offender, aggravated sexual assault, oral copulation, and many more.

We may be able to help certain low-risk offenders, average-risk sex offenders, transient offenders, and high-risk offenders as well. We can also handle claims involving Megan’s law or Jessica’s law. Some of these may be determined on a case-by-case basis, and there is potential that certain sex offenders will have their statuses reduced to be less severe. Please contact us if you wish to avoid joining the California sex offender registry, and we will do our best to support you.

Do Not Risk a Sex Offense Conviction in California Without a Criminal Defense Attorney

Spending time behind bars, hefty fines, and other harsh sex offender regulations are high-stakes penalties that you should not risk by trying to fight your case alone. If you were arrested for a sexual offense in California, attain the help of a qualified Aron Law Firm criminal defense lawyer. We may be able to reduce your odds of having to add yourself to a sex offender registry. Our team will support you during your case by helping you understand your legal options, what to expect during the process, and building a strong defense to safeguard your interests.

You do not have to take an accusation of a sex offense without a fight. We have a track record of bringing positive results to many individuals who have been accused of crimes of all kinds. When you retain our support, you can gain invaluable support from a criminal defense attorney who can simplify the process. Call us at (805) 618-1768 or complete our contact form to discuss your sex crime case with our team today.

William M. Aron

EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY

William M. Aron

June 26, 2024

Former Deputy District Attorney William Aron received his Juris Doctorate from the Duke School of Law and has amassed 20 years of experience practicing law. Attorney Aron dedicates his practice to defending the accused, and is devoted to keeping his clients out of prison.