Few things can be worse than being designated as a sex offender. The designation can irreparably ruin your reputation and make it harder for you to find employment opportunities or rent a place to live in. The social stigma associated with the designation can make it difficult for you to lead a normal life ever again.
If you have been charged with a sex offense, it is critical to get in touch with an experienced St. Louis lawyer as quickly as you can, so that you can have the best chance to avoid a conviction.
Sex Offender Registration Guidelines in Missouri
Under Missouri law, it is mandatory for you to register as a sex offender if you are convicted of the following crimes.
- Public display of sexually explicit material
- Promoting obscenity
- Coercing others to accept obscene material
- Promoting prostitution
- Promoting pornography for minors
- Possessing and promoting child pornography
- Using children in sexual performances
- Promoting sexual performance by children
- Sexually exploiting minors
- Sexual contact with nursing home residents
The full list of sex offenses that require the perpetrator to register as a sex offender can be found HERE. If you are charged with one or more of the aforementioned crimes, it is critical to contact a St. Louis lawyer right away. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better are your chances of having the charges reduced and avoiding the need to register as a sex offender.
Registering as a Sex Offender in Missouri
If you plead guilty to or are convicted of the aforementioned crimes, you are required to register with the Missouri Sex Offender Registry – within three days following your conviction or your release from jail, prison, or probation.
In order to register as a sex offender, you need to provide your name, date of birth, address, social security number, and the offense you are convicted of to the authorities. You will also have to provide them with your photo, palm print, and a DNA sample.
The information you provide will be added to state and federal databases and will be available to the public. Any person can check if you are on the sex offender registry without requiring any permission from governmental agencies.
Penalties For Not Registering as a Sex Offender
As any St. Louis lawyer can tell you, the penalties for failing to register as a sex offender despite being convicted of the aforementioned crimes can be quite severe. If it is your first or second offense, you could be charged with a Class D or Class C felony. If it is your third offense, you will have to serve time in prison – anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
Need a St. Louis Lawyer to Defend You against Sex Crime Charges
Being charged with a sex offense is not something you can afford to take lightly, as a conviction might require you to register as a sex offender. The attorneys at Miller & Hine law can mount a robust defense against the charges you are facing and fight hard to get the charges dismissed or reduced to the highest extent possible.
Over the years, we have successfully defended several of our clients against a wide range of sex offenses. Call us today at (314) 413-2053 or write to us online for a free and confidential consultation with one of our Missouri sex crime defense lawyers.