Are Sex Offenders Banned from Living Near Parks and Schools?
When you are convicted of a sex crime and required to register as a sex offender, a number of restrictions and requirements are placed on you. Due to a law that was passed in 2006 by California voters, you probably think that you cannot live within 2,000 feet of a school, park or other area where children gather. However, that may not be true.
Let’s reveal the truth behind sex offender residency restrictions.
Are sex offenders banned from living within 2,000 feet of a school or park?
Jessica’s Law, a ballot initiative that California voters passed in 2006, prohibits registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school, park or similar location where children gather. So, how is it that you can find registered sex offenders living near parks and schools when you pull up a map on the Megan’s Law website?
The answer comes from the California Supreme Court. In 2015, the state Supreme Court ruled that applying residency restrictions to all convicted sex offenders was unconstitutional. As a result of this court ruling, law enforcement finds it difficult to enforce residency restrictions for each and every convicted sex offender.
However, residency restrictions can be made on a case-by-case basis by the courts with input from local state parole and probation officials. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see some registered sex offenders living near a park or school.
Can I end my requirement to register as a sex offender?
Although residency restrictions are no longer enforceable in all cases, you could be required to stay at least 2,000 feet away from a school or park if you are convicted of a sex offense. Additionally, the negative stigma of being a convicted sex offender could affect you for the rest of your life. However, you may be able to end your requirement to register as a sex offender.
Contact Wallin & Klarich today to find out if you are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation or Governor’s Pardon. These two legal avenues of post-conviction relief could help you end your duty to register a sex offender under PC 290. The experienced sex crimes lawyers at our firm can walk you through this process and make a legal effort to have your name removed from the sex offender registry.
Contact the Sex Crimes Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
Having a sex crime on your criminal record could make it difficult for you to find meaningful employment and impact where you can live. However, there may be a way to end your obligation to register as a sex offender. Contact our skilled sex crimes lawyers today so we can discuss if you are eligible to stop sex offender registration.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, Los Angeles and San Diego, you can find an experienced Wallin & Klarich sex crimes attorney available near you no matter where you are located.
Call our office today at (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
