What Are Sex Offenders Prohibited from Doing?
California enforces strict laws regarding sex crimes and imposes serious penalties for violators. A sex crime conviction may hold negative impacts on many areas of one’s life, in addition to having serious legal repercussions. Specifically, sex offender registration may wreak havoc on your personal and professional life and prevent you from doing many of the things you used to enjoy. The best way to avoid these charges and clear your name is to hire a local attorney with experience in defending against sex crimes. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the things that registered sex offenders may be prohibited from doing.
1. Live Near Schools and Parks
In 2006, California passed a proposition known as Jessica’s Law which prohibited registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of public and private schools and parks where children regularly gather. While this law is no longer in effect, the Supreme Court ruled that restrictions for sex offenders can still be made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, this means that offenders still cannot reside within a certain distance of places where children meet. Furthermore, for sex offenders who are deemed high-risk, some residency restrictions may automatically apply. Violation of these restrictions can be charged as a misdemeanor and result in a jail sentence and fines.
2. Work with Children
Background checks have made it harder for registered sex offenders to find employment, as some employers may have a negative perception of those with a criminal history. Although sex offenders can still take on most jobs, they are prohibited from working with children if they are convicted for offenses that involve minors younger than 16 years old. These include roles such as teaching, childcare, and medicine. For those convicted of sex crimes involving victims older than 16, they must notify the employer prior to working with children.
3. Travel Freely
Additionally, sex offenders are subject to travel restrictions imposed as a condition of their parole, probation, or mandatory supervision. In general, sex offenders can travel to any state as long as they meet the registration requirements in the states they seek to visit. To travel internationally, offenders must notify their jurisdiction of residence at least three weeks before departure and provide a detailed travel itinerary including their purpose and means of traveling. In order to move to another state, offenders may need to get clearance from their probation or parole officers and must comply with the registration laws of the new state.
4. Live with Certain People
Registered sex offenders are allowed to live with their families, but there are certain conditions that must be met. For example, two sex offenders may not live together unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. If they are not related in one of these ways, they cannot live together. In addition, sex offenders may not be able to live with individuals under 18 years old if it is a condition of their parole or probation.
5. Own a Firearm
Certain sex offenders are banned from possessing a firearm. Sex offenders with mental disorders or those ruled incompetent to stand trial cannot purchase, possess, or receive a firearm or deadly weapon. Those who are convicted of a felony sex crime are also not allowed to have weapons. A felon who is found guilty of firearm possession can be convicted and sentenced to up to three years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are accused of a sex crime, your life may be turned upside down. To avoid losing your freedom, you need an experienced defense team on your side. With 40+ years of experience, Wallin & Klarich is your best choice among Southern California criminal defense firms. Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients accused of sex crimes with great success. We understand how tough these cases can be, but we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible results so that you never need to worry.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Torrance, West Covina, Los Angeles, and San Diego, you are sure to find an available and convenient attorney near you.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.
