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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

  • They handled everything beautifully and were able to minimize our anxiety throughout a difficult process.

    “Jeff is the fourth attorney that I have worked with regarding custody of my son. My previous attorneys were neither knowledgeable of the law as it applied to my case nor followed through on the actions they said they would take. Not only did Jeff know what he was doing, but he did everything that he said he would in a timely fashion. Given that my case involved an international relocation, allocation of sole custody for residency purposes abroad, and a non-custodial parent who was anything but cooperative, there was a high likelihood that my case would be unsuccessful with even the potential of being ordered to return to the US to maintain physical custody of my son. Today my child and I are happily living abroad and I was able to obtain the residency permit for my son to remain here. I attribute the success of my case to Jeff and his firm. They handled everything beautifully and were able to minimize our anxiety throughout a difficult process. Thank you!”

    Former Client

  • He took the time to explain the process, understand the facts of my case and provide suggestions like retaining a private investigator.

    “I came to Shaffer & Engle Law Offices searching for hope after I entered a plea in my criminal case. I had a false allegation filed against me for a sexual offense that I did not commit. I was involved with another lawyer for 2 ½ years, when it came down to day before court we felt he was not prepared to represent me. I either took the plea of "Nolo Contendere" or went to jail the day of the trial. I felt trapped. I had this allegation against me and I was innocent. I met with the Attorney Engle. He took the time to explain the process, understand the facts of my case and provide suggestions like retaining a private investigator. He offered to represent me and quickly moved to withdraw my guilty plea. That was granted by the court and we proceeded to prepare for trial. They uncovered many things that our other lawyer did not bother to investigate. They met with character witnesses after hours to make sure my defense would be solid. Long story short, the DA in my case withdrew the charges. I went from a convicted man to completely being vindicated. Shaffer and Engle Law Offices also were able to assist me in another matter relating to the criminal case, but in civil court. The same results, all charges were dismissed. I appreciate the work they did, their prompt service, care and attention they showed to me and my family. I found their services to be affordable when compared to what they did for me. I would highly recommend them for anyone charged with a crime that they did not do.”

    JH

  • 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

  • Ms. Collins took our case, she made us feel like we were her only client.

    “From the first day Ms. Collins took our case, she made us feel like we were her only client. She keeps us in the loop at all times, has put such heart and dedication into the case, and really wants the best outcome. She is positive and makes an effort to keep our spirits up with humor and a different perspective. I know for a fact she puts a lot of her personal time into her work because she wants to do the best job possible, including weekends and holidays.”

    Janay

  • I can say my lawyer did her job I had three pending case against me she did her research and told me this is what we can do, I walked in the court house with some pending charges.

    “I recommend Elisabeth K. H. Pasqualini, she is a wonderfully person; she don't sugarcoat nothing she do homework and she take her job serious. I can say my lawyer did her job I had three pending case against me she did her research and told me this is what we can do, I walked in the court house with some pending charges. I could did jail time or probation. I walked out of there with a little fine in some community service.”

    Former Client