My brother was convicted of second degree murder in Los Angeles County. He was sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison. I hired Stephen Klarich from the law firm of Wallin and Klarich to work on his appeal. Our family was very worried and fearful he would spend the rest of his life in prison. ...
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I would like to sincerely thank you for helping me with obtaining my Certificate of Rehabilitation. I now realize the importance of obtaining a law firm that has years of experience in criminal law. The way the package was organized and presented to the presiding judge was very impressive to me. ...
Past Client
"My husband and I received a shock recently when our son was arrested for starting a fire at a state park. But our shock turned into horror when he was charged with felony arson. We immediately hired the Law Firm of Wallin & Klarich. After a review of the evidence, Wallin & Klarich had a ser...
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Mandatory and Discretionary Sex Offender Registration
Penal Code Section 290 lists the crimes that require sex offender registration, which include rape, indecent exposure, and sex offenses involving minors. Registration can also be required for crimes not listed under Section 290 if the crime was sexually motivated (See California Penal Code Section 290.006).
According to California’s sex offender law, you may also be required to register as a sex offender if you are convicted in another state of an offense that would have been punishable as one or more of the offenses described in Section 290.
Requirements of Sex Offender Registration
California’s Sex Offender Registration Act (“SORA”) requires those convicted of certain sex offenses to register as a sex offender for the rest of their natural lives regardless of the seriousness of the offense or the date of conviction. California Penal Code Section 290 mandates that a sex offender must register with local law enforcement agencies (police or sheriff) where he or she lives and works within five (5) working days of coming into the city or county. Additionally, if the registrant attends school on a college campus, he or she must also register as a sex offender with the campus police.
California sex offender law requires re-registration annually; every 30 to 90 days, depending on the conviction and whether the registrant is transient (“homeless”). People who are convicted of a sex offense requiring registration in other states almost always have to register in this state if they move to California or come here for a limited amount of time.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderFailure to register as a sex offender is a crime in and of itself. It is either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the underlying offense of which the registrant was originally convicted.
The stigma of being a registered sex offender can ruin your life and devastate your family. You will likely experience humiliation and ostracization from your community particularly if you are required to be publicly identified on the Megan’s Law website.
Residency and Presence Restriction Laws Impacting Sex Offenders
Even more frightening is the speed at which the popular “designer laws” are being passed by politicians at the state and local government levels restricting where a sex offender may lawfully live or be present. Most registered sex offenders report severe difficulty finding any meaningful employment or affordable housing.
Forced homelessness and destitution seems to have become society’s way of exacting revenge on registered sex offenders — perhaps the most misunderstood and despised segment of the population. Although completely untrue, the public perception is that all registered sex offenders are child molesters.
Relief from Lifetime Registration
However, there is hope. Under the California sex offender law, it is possible to be freed from lifetime sex offender registration. People convicted of certain sex offenses may be relieved of their duty to register upon obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation and/or a Governor’s pardon. (California Penal Code Section 290.5)
If you have been charged with a sex crime, seek the help of Wallin & Klarich today
If you or a loved one is facing a sex offense, it is critical that you speak with an experienced sex crime attorney right away. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience successfully defending sex crimes cases. With offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, and Sherman Oaks, we have been able to help many of our clients avoid being put on the sex offender registry. If you have already been convicted of a sex crime, we can also assist you in relieving you of your lifetime duty to register as a sex offender.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (619) 404-1983 for a free telephone consultation.
We will get through this together.
