New York Sex Offender Registration
Sexual offenses are among the most serious crimes charged in New York. They not only carry the potential for some of the harshest penalties, including extensive time in prison, but they also carry the added punishment of sex offender registration. New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (“SORA” or “Megan’s Law”) requires a person convicted of certain sex offenses to register as a sex offender with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), even if the conviction occurred in a different state, so long as they work or live in New York.
Sex offender registration has many consequences, including limitations on employment and residence, ramifications for immigration, and other restrictions. If you are accused of a sex crime in New York, the criminal defense attorneys at Dupée & Monroe, P.C., can help you avoid the most severe consequences of a sex offense conviction. Our experienced attorneys may be able to get your charges reduced or your punishment limited or even have the case dropped entirely. We will fight for your rights every step of the way.
New York Sex Offender Risk Levels
In New York, the sex offender registry under SORA is not equal among all convicted offenders. Anyone required to register has the right to a hearing to determine his or her risk level. The risk level assigned to a convicted offender will have a significant impact on the effects of sex offender registration.
Level 3 offenders are considered high-risk and face the most restrictions. They are required to register on the state’s internet registry. They may have their information sent to an entire neighborhood, and they may have to report to authorities and re-register as frequently as every 90 days.
Level 2 offenders are considered a moderate risk to public safety. They will still be listed on the state’s public internet registry and face significant reporting requirements, including frequent re-registry and reporting.
Level 1 offenders are considered low risk. While they still have to register as a sex offender with the DCJS, they may not have to be listed on the state’s public internet registry, which can significantly reduce the fear of public persecution. They have fewer reporting requirements than other, more high-risk offenders. Their registration status will still be reported to schools.
Within each level, there are specific requirements, rules, restrictions, and additional subcategories. A zealous and effective New York criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the most serious levels of sex offender registry, possibly reducing registry down to a level 1 even for qualifying sex offense convictions.
Offenses Triggering Registration
A variety of charges will yield sex offender registration if the government successfully obtains a conviction. Sex offender registration is required after conviction for, among other crimes:
- The majority of sex offenses involving minors
- Rape
- Incest
- Sodomy
- Sexual assault
- Sexual abuse
- Kidnapping
- Forcible touching
- Sexual misconduct
- Unlawful surveillance
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Certain crimes involving prostitution and solicitation
- Sex trafficking
If you have been arrested or accused of any of these crimes, you need to secure the help of a dedicated and experienced New York criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to start building your defense. With the right defense, you may be able to plea down a qualifying offense (such as misdemeanor sexual abuse) to a non-registration offense (such as misdemeanor assault) or avoid a conviction entirely. The sex crime defense team at Dupée & Monroe has years of experience defending clients facing the most serious charges in New York and helping them avoid the most severe punishments.
Advice and Representation from a Knowledgeable New York Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a sexual offense or other serious crime in New York, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., in Goshen for immediate assistance. Even the accusation of a sex crime can have significant consequences on your reputation, your livelihood, and your family. Get strong, zealous legal help as soon as possible to avoid sex offender registry or reduce the level of your registry. If you need criminal defense in Orange County or anywhere in the Hudson Valley, call our Goshen criminal defense law firm at 845-294-8900 for help.
