Sexual Offender Registry Georgia
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Sexual Offender Registry in Georgia: An Overview
Georgia maintains a sex offender registry to protect its citizens from sexual predators. The sex offender registry contains information on anyone released from prison for criminal sexual conduct in the state for the following offenses: statutory rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual battery, child molestation, or any other crime involving sexual contact.
A convicted sex offender in the State must register with the Georgia Sex Offender Registry within 72 hours of release from prison or parole. Depending on the sex crime for which they were convicted, sex offenders must also register every year for ten years or for life.
It is essential to understand the Georgia Sex Offender Registry and its consequences if you or a loved one are accused of sex crimes in Georgia. Failure to register can lead to severe penalties, including fines and jail time. Legal advice is also essential.
The sex offenders registry laws in Georgia are complicated. This is why Adam Levin Law, LLC provides experienced defense attorneys who can assist you with any questions you may have about these laws. Contact us today for more information.
What Is a Sex Offender?
Any individual convicted of committing an underlying sexual offense against an underage person or a dangerous sexual offense, regardless of location, is a sex offender under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Sexual offenses in Georgia are punished according to their severity. Generally, most sex offenses are felonies and can sometimes result in life imprisonment or death sentences in some cases. For instance, aggravated child molestation is a felony that carries a sentence of at least ten years in prison but up to life imprisonment.
Those persons convicted of sexual offenses are required to register as sex offenders in the State of Georgia and may face additional penalties such as probation or parole restrictions.
Even if you were convicted of sexually explicit conduct in another state or territory, Georgia will still consider you a sex offender.
Who Is Required to Register?
All sex offenders must register in person with the sheriff of the county where they will reside to be listed in the Sexual Offender Registry under O.C.G.A. §42-1-12(d).
Registration is required under O.C.G.A. §42-1-12(e) for the following people:
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Persons who are convicted of sexual offenses against victims under the age of 18 as of July 1, 1996
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Persons who are convicted of dangerous sexual offenses after July 1, 1996
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Persons who are convicted of sexual offenses against victims under the age of 18 that are eligible for parole, release, supervised release, or probation by July 1, 1996
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Persons with prior convictions related to violent or dangerous sexual offenses and are eligible for parole, release, probation, or supervised release on or after July 1, 1996
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Georgian residents convicted of sexual offenses in other states that wish to reside in Georgia on or after July 1, 1996
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Persons who move to Georgia from other states, territories, or countries must register under federal, military, tribal laws or the laws of their former homes
If you are unsure whether these provisions apply to you, contact seasoned criminal lawyers today!
Does the Sexual Offender Registry Get Updated Frequently?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is responsible for updating the sexual offender list, which includes changes in name, address, employment, convictions, sexual offenses, and any new criminal offense information daily.
All information provided by the sexual offender must be updated within two business days by the sheriff.
It is important to remember that sex offenders must continually update the registry, regardless of whether their information changes. If sexual offenders fail to update the sexual offender registry regularly, they may face fines or jail time.
How Does a Sexual Offender Register?
A sex offender must register in person with the sheriff of the county where they are planning to reside within 72 hours of their release from prison. Offenders who are homeless must also register with the sheriff in person within 72 hours of being released from prison.
Sexual offenders must renew their information with the county sheriff once a year, within 72 hours of their birthday. During this process, they will be photographed and fingerprinted.
When an offender moves from one county to another, they must notify both the sheriffs of the counties where they formerly resided and the counties where they now reside. The new address must be reported to the sheriff if the county is the same.
Contact an Athens criminal defense attorney for more information about sexual offender registry laws in Georgia. Criminal defense attorneys are experienced and knowledgeable in many practice areas. They can help protect your rights and provide legal advice for sexual offender registration and other sexual offense-related matters. They will work with you and help protect your rights throughout the sexual offender registry process.
In Georgia, How Long Does the Record of a Sexual Offender Remain on the Registry?
Depending on the offense, a sexual offender will be on the sexual offender registry for either ten years or life. Sexual offenders convicted of certain crimes against minors must remain on the sexual offender registry for the rest of their lives.
It is essential to understand the Georgia sexual offender registry laws and consult with an experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected if you or someone you know has been accused of committing a sexual offense.
Does a Sexual Offender Have the Right to Petition the Court for Deletion From the Registry?
Sometimes, sexual offenders may petition to be removed from the Georgia sex offender registry. A person who meets the criteria for Georgia sex registry removal must appear in the Superior Court of the county in which they were convicted or currently reside.
In order to be eligible for removal, a person must meet the following criteria:
- There are no prior convictions for sex crimes, including crimes against minors.
- There was no use of a deadly weapon in committing an offense against a person.
- During the offense, the victim was not transported from one place to another.
- In the course of the crime, the victim was not physically restrained.
- The offense did not result in serious physical harm.
- In addition, no evidence exists of similar offenses, including those that not that did not result in convictions.
In order for a party to be eligible for parole, they must have served all possible prison time and probation or parole. The Sex Offender Registration and Review Board must also deem them low-risk.
Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing sexual offense charges, it is essential to understand the sexual offender registry laws in Georgia and have an experienced Athens criminal defense attorney help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected. At Adam Levin Law, LLC, we have several years of experience in criminal defense law and can help you through this difficult time. Contact us today for more information.