Harrisburg Sex Crimes Lawyers

Understanding Megan's Law Registration Requirements

Megan's Law requires that certain sex offenders register themselves in a public database after being convicted of a sex crime. The length of the registration period and the requirements are based upon the type of offense, the number of offenses, and under which tier the offense falls. Megan's Law was created to prevent sex offenders from accessing children in any way.

Although these laws under SORNA (Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act) are effective in keeping sex offenders from living or working near children, they also stigmatize anyone convicted of a sex crime. At Shaffer & Engle, our Harrisburg sex crimes attorneys help individuals like yourself understand your rights and options.

Megan's Law IV Offenses & Tier Registration

SORNA requires that if a person is convicted of a "Tier" offense, they must register as a sex offender. There is a long list of Tier offenses under SORNA, which is why we have organized them into an easy-to-read chart. Not all offenses require sex offender registration, and these are listed as non-SORNA offenses.

The Tier offenses are as follows:

• Tier III, lifetime registration: Kidnapping of a minor, rape, statutory sexual assault (11 or more years older than victim), sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, incest (with a minor), and two or more convictions of offenses listed as Tier I or Tier II.
• Tier II, 25 years registration: Statutory sexual assault (8 years older but not fewer than 11 years older than victim), institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, promoting prostitution of a minor, obscene material of a minor, sexual abuse of children, unlawful contact with a minor, and sexual exploitation of children.
• Tier I, 15 years registration: Unlawful restraint of a minor (not a parent or guardian), false imprisonment of a minor (not a parent or guardian), luring children into a motor vehicle, interference with custody of children, institutional sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a minor (not a parent or guardian), indecent assault, corruption of minors, sexual abuse of children, and an invasion of privacy.
• Non-SORNA Offenses: Statutory sexual assault when the offender is 4 or more years older but not 8 years older than the victim, incest when the victim is 18 or older, incest when the offender is less than 4 years older than the victim who is 13-18, stalking, certain assault crimes, indecent exposure, endangering welfare of children, open lewdness, corruption of minors (misdemeanor), and unauthorized administration of intoxicant.

There are other offenses which may fall into these categories, such as a conviction for a sexual offense in a foreign country, jurisdiction, or a comparable military offense. Additionally, any attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit an offense listed above may fall into the aforementioned categories.

Contact Shaffer & Engle for Strong Representation

If you were convicted of a sex crime, Megan's Law may be affecting your life negatively, as well as the lives of your family. Whether you are being tracked by the state with a GPS monitor or the state is attempting to commit you to a treatment facility, we're here to help. At Shaffer & Engle, we have more than 65 years of combined legal experience and can help you understand your rights and options, as well as navigate the complex legal system. Our Dauphin County sex crimes attorneys will provide you with the strong representation you need and deserve.