Being accused of a sex crime can throw your life into turmoil. Yet, even if you are convicted of a crime and serve your time, you may still have legal issues ahead of you. Registering to be placed on the sex offender registry is often a requirement for those who have been convicted of a sex crime, and failure to comply with all registration laws can land you in hot water.
There are many ways that you can violate the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act. First, failing to register at all could get you arrested. Also, you have to make sure that you change your address any time that you move or leave a residence. You could also get in trouble if you fail to pay your registration fee or the annual fee, or if you fail to sign the proper registration paperwork. Additional violations include failing to update your vehicle information, failing to provide information regarding any name changes, neglecting to report any internet usernames and email addresses, and either living, working, or loitering within 1,000 feet of a school.
If you are found to have violated any of these regulations, then you could be arrested and face criminal charges. Therefore, it is critical that you do your best to stay within the confines of the law. We realize, however, that false accusations are made and you may find yourself facing allegations of criminal wrongdoing and/or penalties that are inappropriate. If this happens, then you might benefit from the assistance of a Kalamazoo criminal defense attorney.
Sex crimes are treated quite seriously in our state, and prosecutors therefore like to seek harsh penalties for those who they claim have run afoul of the law. By speaking with a competent attorney, you may be able to confront this aggressiveness, beat the allegations, and focus on reclaiming the live you deserve.
Source: Michigan State Legislature, “Michigan Sex Offender Registry Backgrounder,” accessed on July 10, 2015
