The law has various labels for a person convicted of a sexually related offense. The labels can impact sentencing, registration and other aspects of a person’s life.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement explains there are two common labels, sexual offender and sexual predator.
Sexual offender
Anyone with a conviction for a sexually related offense becomes a sexual offender. This includes all types of sex crimes, such as rape, sexual misconduct, possession of child pornography and kidnapping of a minor. As you can see, the crimes ran a large range. Some are violent and others are not. Some involve direct sexual contact with a victim and others do not. The basis is how the law labels the crime. Any crime qualifying as a sexual offense will earn the person a sexual offender label.
The sexual offender label remains even after serving a sentence completely. It also applies to anyone moving to Florida from another state where the crime is a sexual offense.
Sexual predator
A sexual predator is also a sex offender but a specific type. Sexual predator labels apply to anyone with a conviction for a violent sexual offense where the court designates the label. Also, the court may designate someone a sexual predator if that person has a civil commitment under the Jimmy Ryce Sexually Violent Predator Act.
Anyone with questions about the label he or she may have should consult the paperwork from the court. The court will include the proper designation. It is good to know the right label as it can impact all areas of your life.