Registering As A Sex Offender In California

Registering as a Sex Offender can drastically change a person’s life. Inclusion in California’s Sex Offender Registry can play a detrimental role in being hired for a new job, or can even influence where a person is able to comfortably live.

According to the California Office of the Attorney General, “By law, persons convicted of specified sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders with a local law enforcement agency.” See California Penal Code section 290.

However, inclusion in the Sex Offender Registry does not need to be as harsh as one would think. “Not every registered sex offender will appear on [the California Sex Offender] web site.” As is mentioned on the Summary of the Law page, “approximately 25% of registered sex offenders are excluded from public disclosure by law. Whether public disclosure is permitted is based on the type of sex crime for which the person is required to register.”

Who Qualifies for Internet Exclusion

The California Office of the Attorney General website goes on to explain:
“The Sex Offender Tracking Program is responsible for determining if any sex offender registrant who applies for exclusion from the Internet web site qualifies for exclusion. Registrants whose only registrable sex offenses are for the following offenses may apply for exclusion from the Sex Offender List:

1. sexual battery by restraint
2. misdemeanor child molestation
3. any offense which did not involve penetration or oral copulation, the victim of which was a child, stepchild, grandchild, or sibling of the offender, and for which the offender successfully completed or is successfully completing probation”

Sex Offenders

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network RAINN states that “90% of child victims know their offender, with almost half of the offenders being a family member. Of sexual assaults against people age 12 and up, approximately 80% of the victims know the offender.” The California Office of the Attorney General website points out that “children often do not tell for a variety of reasons including the offender's threats to hurt or kill someone the victim loves, as well as shame, embarrassment, wanting to protect the offender, feelings for the offender, fear of being held responsible or being punished, fear of being disbelieved, and fear of losing the offender who may be very important to the child or the child's family.”

Therefore, if children are willing to protect the offender, an innocent person may be pursued by law enforcement instead. That pursuit may lead to eventual conviction with false evidence, and could land the convicted on the Sex Offender Registry List.

Once you are registering as a sex offender in California, that registration is for life. However, Wallin & Klarich has vast experience in dealing with Certificates of Rehabilitation and Governor’s Pardons. In certain instances, a Superior Court Judge granting a Certificate of Rehabilitation will stop 290 sex registeration. In all instances, one’s obligation to register as a sex offender under Penal Code section 290 will stop upon the granting of a Governor’s Pardon.

When someone is accused of a sex crime, they face a challenging time defending their name. Since sex crime charges are specialized and complex within the area of criminal defense, you need an attorney with enough experience and skill to protect your rights in the best way possible. The California criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich will examine your case, and ensure that your rights are not infringed upon. We have the knowledge and resources to assist you in the process of Internet Sex Offender Registration Exclusion. Call 877-230-1528 today for a case evaluation, and help yourself get your life back on the right track.

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