At the beginning of 2016, there were 805,781 people listed on sex offender registries across the country. These registries are databases of information about convicted offenders, with much of the information being made available to the public. Every state has its own registry, and requirements vary by state. There’s also a national registry that, to date, is only available to law enforcement officers. It is maintained by the U.S. Attorney at the FBI. Being listed on the sex offender registry after being convicted of a crime can create a lifetime of challenges. Those listed on registries have reported having challenges finding jobs and being targeted by law enforcement. Some states even prohibit people on the registry from living within certain distances of playgrounds, schools, and daycare centers, making finding affordable and reasonable housing difficult. For these reasons, if you’ve been charged with a crime that could result in your inclusion on the list, it’s important to hire a sex offender attorney in Houston as soon as possible. It may surprise a lot of people to learn that you can be forced to be added to the list even if the crime with which you’re charged isn’t a violent one. Here are some of the crimes that have landed individuals on the registry. Naked Photos Even teenagers who have taken naked pictures of themselves have been forced to be listed on the sex offender registry. In 2004, for example, a 15-year-old Pennsylvania girl was ordered to register after putting nude photos of herself online. Prostitution Whether arrested for soliciting or for offering services, any charges related to prostitution could result in a conviction that requires being added to the registry. In New York, there are people on the list for patronizing a prostitute, while those convicted of prostitution in Louisiana have been added to that state’s registry. Peeing in Public At least 13 states require registering for the list when a person is convicted of urinating in public. Some of the state laws only require being added to the list if the act occurs in front of minors. Flashing People convicted of flashing their breasts or other forms of indecent exposure can be required to register for the sex offender list in some states. There are people on sex offender registries who haven’t committed violent crimes, but that hasn’t stopped those on the registry from a lifetime of difficulties. If you’ve been charged with a crime that could result in a requirement to register for the list, it’s critical that you hire a sex offender attorney in Houston as soon as possible.
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