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.