People convicted of sex crimes often face restrictions even after their initial time in jail or other probationary penalties come to an end. This happens due to the mandate that requires people convicted of sex crimes to register as sex offenders.
If a person fails to uphold their registration, it can result in penalties due to failure to comply with registry law. Though individuals should do what they can to avoid these penalties, it is impossible to deny that the sex offender registry list has a huge negative impact on a person’s life.
Where can sex offenders not reside?
The Florida Senate discusses some of the restrictions applied to sex offenders. Many of these involve housing restrictions, i.e. restrictions that determine where a person can and cannot live.
For one, there are many areas that a registered sex offender cannot legally reside within 1,000 feet of. This includes playgrounds, childcare centers, public parks, and primary or secondary schools. However, those who previously lived in a location that then had one of these built nearby do not have to move as long as they meet the residency criteria. Violating this law results in felony charges.
Penalties for lying or not renewing registration
Neglecting to renew registration or lying about one’s status as a sex offender can also result in felony charges. Additional felony charges at this point in time can actually worsen a person’s chances of finding reasonable living accommodations, so it is advisable to avoid this.
Instead, registered sex offenders can work to maintain a new life within the law and build up their relationships and trust from scratch, all while sticking to the restrictions necessary until the length of duty to register expires.