Sex Offender Registration Lawyers in Worcester, Massachusetts

Understand Criminal Records with Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Middlesex and Hampden Counties

There are more than 25 sex crimes in Massachusetts that require you to register as a sex offender if you are convicted, including child pornography and rape. If you are arrested on charges of a sex offense, your reputation will suffer. A conviction will likely follow you for the rest of your life. The Worcester criminal defense attorneys at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP can seek to reduce or dismiss the charges, and we can answer your questions throughout the process.

Consequences of Sex Offender Registration

Currently in the state of Massachusetts, virtually everyone who has been found guilty of a sex crime is required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board of Massachusetts. The Adam Walsh Act may increase the number of people on the registry and on searchable Internet registries, including lower-level offenders. In addition, residency restrictions have been increasing and are likely to keep growing in the state of Massachusetts.

Being registered as a sex offender may:

• Limit your ability to find and maintain employment
• Affect your academic status
• Hinder your relationship with your children
• Restrict your ability to find housing

Being on the sex offender registry has lifelong consequences. The Worcester criminal defense attorneys at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP keep up-to-date on federal, state, and local laws and can provide defense representation for all types of sex crimes. We work hard to protect your rights and minimize any penalties you may face.

Sex offender categories in Massachusetts include:

• Level 1: Low risk
• Level 2: Moderate risk
• Level 3: High risk

In order to be considered a level one offender, the Sex Offender Registry Board must deem a person to be low risk. This means that the board finds that the person has a low risk of ever committing another sexually based offense. For people who are considered level one offenders, the sex offender registry will not make their information available to the public. Level two sex offenders have a greater re-offense likelihood than level one offenders.

They are considered to be a moderate risk to the public, and their information is available on the Massachusetts sex offender registry. If the re-offense risk is high, offenders will fall under the level three category, which will severely limit where they may be able to live or gain employment and will make their information easily accessible to the public.

Who May Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

In Massachusetts, both adults and juveniles can be required to register as sex offenders. In addition, an adjudicated youthful offender may be ordered to register. An adjudicated youthful offender is defined as a delinquent juvenile by reason of a sex offense or a person released from incarceration, parole, probation, or custody of the Department of Youth Services. In juvenile cases, the judge has discretion over whether to make the juvenile register.

Understanding the Impact of a Sex Crime Conviction

Sex crimes have some of the most negative social and financial consequences in the state. Those convicted may pay for their crimes long after the sentence is served. Under law, however, sex offenders are protected by the Sex Offender Registry Board to ensure they are not in danger of physical or mental harm while going about their daily lives.

If you have been charged with a sex offense in Massachusetts, the Worcester sex crime lawyers at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP can fight aggressively to limit the financial, legal, and social repercussions of a conviction. We keep a relatively small case load so that we can give adequate attention to each case. We can help protect your rights.