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Sex Offender Registration

Harrisburg Sex Crimes Lawyers Fighting for You

A conviction for a sex offense can haunt you for the rest of your life. In addition to prison time, you may have to register as a sex offender, making your photo, offense information, area of residence, and other personal information available to the public (and readily searchable online). This harsh requirement will make it difficult to get a job, find housing, and get your normal life back.

To learn how our experienced sex crimes attorneys in Harrisburg can help you, call (717) 268-4287 and set up a free initial consultation. We serve clients throughout Dauphin County.

State & Federal Requirements

There are two levels of laws governing sex offender registration:

  • At the state level, Pennsylvania imposes strict registration requirements for people convicted of certain sex crimes. You may be required to report to the state police your address, where you work, if you move, and if you attend school. You may have to report for the rest of your life.
  • Under federal law, the Adam Walsh Act or SORNA (Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act) creates a three-tiered system of mandatory registration based on the nature of the underlying offense. Failure to comply is a felony.

Most types of sex offenses result in mandatory registration. Even for misdemeanor sexual offenses such as indecent exposure, you face a reporting requirement for 10 years. After a conviction for a serious charge such as rape, you will have a hearing before the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB) to determine whether you must register as a sexually violent predator.

Get Help Navigating This Complex Area

As you can see, the requirements for sex offender registration can be confusing. At Shaffer & Engle, our attorneys can help you navigate this and other legal aspects of sex crimes. We are extremely well-versed in this complex area of law. Our Harrisburg sex crimes lawyers have successfully handled many high-profile cases, and our team includes a former prosecutor.

What Our
Clients Have to Say

  • Jeff provided us with clear advice and immediate responses to my multitude of questions and concerns.

    “Jeff provided us with clear advice and immediate responses to my multitude of questions and concerns. We are grateful our case is finally settled and would certainly recommend him.”

    Former Client

  • He has a great personality and makes you feel welcome and comfortable.

    “Mr. Engle took our case and worked diligently from the time we hired his firm until our case was resolved. In addition he kept us well informed throughout the process with emails, letters, and phone conversations. I have worked with a number of law firms in the past 10 plus years and Attorney Engle is one of the best. He does not make you feel as if you are a burden to him when you ask questions. He has a great personality and makes you feel welcome and comfortable. He makes no promises due to the fact he is not a fortune teller but he will do everything possible to have a positive outcome for your case. I recommend Attorney Engle and his Law Firm and hold nothing but positive praise for him and his team.”

    Paul W.

  • You believed in me and gave me the courage to tell the jury my side of the story

    “Dear Miss Elisabeth, I can't thank you enough for giving me my life back! Everyone told me I should just plead guilty but I knew I didn't do what they said I did. You believed in me and gave me the courage to tell the jury my side of the story and explain why I signed a confession when I never committed that crime. I was very scared during the trial but I felt good knowing you believed in me. I am a free man today because of you. God bless you.”

    S.G.

  • Very professional, knowledgeable and straight to the point. No hesitation what so ever on how or why they tackle your case.

    “Jeff and the practice Shaffer & Engle Law are outstanding at what they do in the court room. Very professional, knowledgeable and straight to the point. No hesitation what so ever on how or why they tackle your case. They answer their emails, phone and texts promptly as they should with any retainer lawyer. I highly recommend them for any judicial system issue.”

    Mike

  • Mr. Engle took my matter as if it were his own and followed through to the end.

    “I contacted Mr. Engle back in August. My custody case had originated in Delaware in 2013 and was the final hearing was held in May of 2015. After the other party objected DE having jurisdiction, he took matters into his own hands and got PA involved - where he lives. In a panic I called Mr. Engle after being referred to him by my DE attorney. Even though I wasn't a client and I did not have an appointment scheduled, Mr Engle took the time out to hear the background information, calm me down and come to, what I thought, was a good conclusion. Fast forward 4 months later and every email, phone call and frantic visit to his office was greeted with kindness and patience...and if he was unavailable, his staff showed the same warm professionalism. I could be sure that I would hear back from him within the same business day - sometimes even on his downtime after hours - or first thing in the morning. Mr. Engle took my matter as if it were his own and followed through to the end. I would not hesitate to call on Mr. Engle again if the occasion ever arose.”

    Rebekah