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Sex Crimes Lawyers in Harrisburg

Helping You Understand SORNA & the Adam Walsh Act

When a person is convicted of a sex crime, they are typically required to register as a sex offender as part of their punishment. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act is a federal statute which was signed in 2006. This act increased registration requirements for sex offenders and created a national sex offender registry that organized sex offender data on the internet. It also created a federal felony offense for those who fail to adhere to Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) requirements to register as a sex offender. At Shaffer & Engle, we work with clients who have been accused of sex crimes as well as those charged with violating SORNA requirements.

To learn how our firm can assist with your criminal charges, please reach out to our Harrisburg sex crimes lawyers at (717) 268-4287.

How Does the Adam Walsh Act Affect Registration?

This act serves to organize sex offenders into three tiers and regulates how offenders must register their information after a conviction. If offenders fail to update their information or register, they may be charged with a felony offense. Currently, eight states in the United States are in compliance with the Adam Walsh Act, including Pennsylvania.

Registration requirements are organized into three main categories:

  • Tier III: Offenders in the most serious tier, Tier III, adhere to lifetime registration requirements, including updating their location every three months. This category includes non-parental kidnapping of a minor child, sexual acts with a child under 12 years old, and sex acts with someone who was rendered unconscious or couldn't consent.
  • Tier II: Tier II offenders are required to have 25 years of registration and to update their whereabouts every 6 months. This category may include crimes such as those involving minors in sexual contact, using a minor in a sexual performance or prostitution, and the production of child pornography.
  • Tier I: Tier I offenders have 15 years of registration with updates required every year. This category includes less severe crimes which do not fall under either Tier II or Tier III.

Have You Been Charged with a Sex Crime?

With the changes made to the Adam Walsh Act, the consequences you may face as a sex offender could significantly increase. If you were charged with a sex crime or have already been convicted of a sex crime, sex offender registry terms may be confusing. If you are facing charges for a sex crime, you are looking at the possibility of decades of reporting, restrictions on where you can work and live, and a tarnished reputation. At Shaffer & Engle, we help clients who have been charged with sex crimes, relentlessly fighting for your rights and future.

To speak with a Harrisburg sex crimes lawyer, call us at (717) 268-4287. We also serve clients throughout Dauphin County.

What Our
clients Have to Say

  • Jeff advised me appropriately and always responded to my calls promptly.

    “At the law offices of Shaffer & Engle, my case was handled with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. Facing criminal charges was a very frightening experience to me, but I knew I was in good hands with Jeff Engle. I had no past experiences with the judicial system. I felt I was treated with courtesy and dignity. Jeff did everything within his legal powers to provide a great service when I was in need. From my experience with Jeff, he has been more than a lawyer; he is now considered a great new friend of my family. He took a personal interest in my case and for that I am eternally grateful. Jeff always delivered on what he said to me and did everything he set out to do. Jeff fought the prosecutor (DA) every step of the way without hesitation. Jeff advised me appropriately and always responded to my calls promptly. What could have been a truly awful situation was resolved completely to my satisfaction. I am available at any time to address any questions with respect to Jeff Engle as an attorney or as a person. I hold him in the highest regard. If anyone ever wanted to see the definition of what a true attorney is...they should be able to open up a dictionary and see a picture of Jeff next to it. I would and will recommend him and his law firm to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and aggressive law firm or criminal defense attorney.”

    Tara K

  • You really did make a "federal case" of my situation!

    “You are the best! I can't express how upset I was when I discovered that my builder committed fraud and lied to me about the quality and condition of my new house. It was a huge investment for me and he put me in a bad financial situation. I was cautiously hopeful when you told me you could help. When you got me a judgment for $130,000 plus- three times the amount of my damages- I was amazed! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication. You really did make a "federal case" of my situation! With the money you won for me, I can finally enjoy my home.”

    P.P.

  • Thank you for going above and beyond for the client I referred to you, but more importantly, thank you for the fantastic result.

    “Thank you for going above and beyond for the client I referred to you, but more importantly, thank you for the fantastic result. She was my most important client, and you really came through.”

    Attorney John D.

  • He follows up with his clients quickly so you are at ease knowing what the status of your situation is.

    “I can’t begin to say how great Mr. Engle was on SUPER short notice. I’m from out of state and I have to say he was quick to respond and had answers to my questions. It was an INCREDIBLE relief to have him in my corner, I can’t tell you how invaluable that is. He follows up with his clients quickly so you are at ease knowing what the status of your situation is. You are in fantastic and capable hands with Mr. Engle.”

    Jessie C.

  • Your firm was truly a blessing to me and I would recommend anybody needing legal assistance to seek the best with Shaffer and Engle Law Firm.

    “Thank you Jeff Engle and staff for all the hard work on my case. I was very pleased with the service that was provided to me as well as the outcome. Your firm was truly a blessing to me and I would recommend anybody needing legal assistance to seek the best with Shaffer and Engle Law Firm.”

    T.B.