The mere allegation of having committed a sex crime is often enough to wreck your reputation and ruin your personal life. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may be subjected to serious penalties, including prison and mandatory registration on the sex offender registry. As if the damage to your reputation and serving time in prison is not harmful enough, you could also face ongoing complications long after you have served your time because of the sex offender registry.
There are many laws in Michigan regulating sex offender registration. If you are convicted of a qualifying sex crime, then you will be required to register your name, address and photo with the state for at least 25 years. If you are a repeat offender or were found guilty of a more serious sex offense, then you might be required to register for life. You will also be required to verify your address with authorities at least once per year, but potentially up to four times per year. Failing to do so could result in jail time and a significant fine.
The sex offender registry can also continue to affect your personal and professional lives as well as your reputation well into the future. Since sex offender records are made public, neighbors, co-workers, prospective employers, friends and family members may find out about your conviction and distance themselves from you.
As you can see, there is a lot at stake when being confronted by sex crime allegations. Therefore, you should not hesitate to do everything in your power to protect your freedom, reputation and overall well-being. By speaking with a competent Michigan attorney, you may be able to discover some legal options that will allow you to do so.
Source: Michigan Legislature, “Sex Offender Registry Summary of Legislation,” accessed on Jan. 23, 2015
