The Sexual Offender Act of 1994, more commonly known as Megan’s Law, was enacted to require states to maintain registries with information on convicted sex offenders that would be available to the public. This act made this type of information accessible to anyone instead of only those who knew where or how to look for it.
Megan’s Law was formed after a young girl was raped and murdered by a sexual offender who had recently moved near her home. Even though all states are supposed to have public registries that reveal sex offenders’ locations, each state gets to choose how much information is given and how it is distributed.
While time in jail or prison is notoriously difficult to endure, probation can be equally as challenging. However, the longest-lasting consequence for individuals convicted of sex crimes in Minnesota may be having their name added to the state’s Sex Offender Registry.
When a name is added to the registry, it becomes widely published on the internet, adding to the stigma you may already have and possibly blocking your ability to find housing or employment.
You can count on excellent defense representation from an experienced sex offender registry lawyer at DeVore Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, a legal firm based in Minnesota. Mr. Kevin has represented hundreds of clients accused of criminal wrongdoing. If you need assistance defending your rights or avoiding the sex offender database, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. Mr. DeVore is an certified criminal Lawyer who has successfully represented many clients facing sex crime charges across Minnesota.
What types of crimes necessitate registration?
Megan’s Law is a well-known name for laws requiring public safety officials to share information on convicted sex offenders. It isn’t just criminal sexual conduct convictions that force someone to register as a sex offender in Minnesota. Others include:
- Felony-level indecent exposure
- Statutory rape
- Sexual misconduct is classified by degrees, with the first degree being the most severe and the fourth degree is the least.
- Wrongful imprisonment, which is frequently associated with a family assault scenario, is another type of false imprisonment.
- Prostitution or sexual conduct is soliciting a minor.
- Child molestation
- Possession of child pornography is a felony.
Megan’s Law MN
Federal “Megan’s Law” was established in 1996, resulting in a state-tracked sex offender registry database requiring community notification of registered offenders moving into the area. For repeat sex offenders, this Law then mandates life imprisonment. Following suit, Minnesota created its Law requiring sex offender registration and community notification.
The Impact of Megan’s Law on Convicted Sex Offenders in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Corrections assigns registrants a risk level corresponding to their criminal history, imprisonment length, and other factors.
In Minnesota, there are two risk levels:
- Risk Level 1 – The lowest likelihood of re-offending
- Risk Level 2 – Moderate probability of recommitting a crime
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s website allows anyone to access basic information for free about anybody who has been arrested by inputting a full name and date of birth. More detailed information is available from the county courthouse where the offense occurred.
Registering as a sex offender is critical. Failing to do so will result in an additional five years of registration, while the first time you have been convicted results in a year in jail.
Contact DeVore Criminal Defense Attorney for Sexual Assault Defense
To Contact DeVore Criminal Defense Attorney, please call us at 651-435-6500, or you can visit our office at 724 Bielenberg Drive, Suite 110, Woodbury, MN 55125.
Posted 16th December 2022 by DeVore Law Office