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Everyone Should Learn a Little about Law

Could You End Up On A Sex Offender Registry List? It's Easier Than You Think

10 February 2015

Kaylee Wells

Most people believe that sex offender registries are a good thing—that is, until they end up on one. Unfortunately, some relatively innocent acts can actually get you or a loved one arrested, charged and eventually placed on one of these lists for all to see.  And, according to YouGov, approximately half of American citizens have looked through the Sex Offender Registry. So if you have committed a crime that could cause you to end up on this list, it would be in your best interest to hire a lawyer to fight the charge – even if the offense seems laughable and minor.

The following are two seemingly minor "crimes" that could cause you or a family member to end up on a Sex Offender Registry:

Urinating In Public

In some states, if you are arrested for urinating in public, you could be charged with a crime and required to register as a sex offender if found guilty, according to Business Insider.  And even if you aren't in one of these states, you could be charged for lewd or lascivious exhibition, which is a felony charge, if:

• Another person, especially a child, witnessed the incident.
• A police officer perceives your actions as lewd. For example, if you were drunk and stumbling around with your private parts flailing about in the open, a police officer might consider your actions more than public urination.

 And if you are convicted of a lewd and lascivious exhibition, you will then have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

Sexting

Smartphones have been great in some ways, but terrible in so many others. Today, it's way too easy for a teenager to take a nude photo of themselves to share with a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Unfortunately, this can lead to a number of problems. For example, your child's photograph could end up being shared with others. And as terrible as that is, there is something almost worse that can happen -- they could actually be arrested and charged with a sex crime. The following are examples of situations that could get your child arrested:

• They sent a nude picture of themselves to another person who is under 18. If so, they could be charged with child pornography. 
• They stored a nude photo sent to them on their phone or on their computer. Even if a teen claims that they did not open a file containing the images but kept it on their computer, they could be charged with possession.
• They shared a nude photo or a video showing them engaged in sex with a minor -- even if they are also a minor. This could actually lead to child pornography distribution charges.

Sadly, most children don't understand that sexting is a very serious issue—one that could actually land them on a Sex Offender Registry list for the rest of their lives. And this, in turn, could limit the types of jobs your child can be eligible for. If you learn that your child has engaged in this dangerous behavior, you may want to consider consulting with an attorney to see if you will need to do anything to protect your child.

Should You Hire An Attorney?

If you or your family member have been charged with a crime that could be construed as a sexual offense -- such as sexting or public urination -- it is important to hire an attorney to fight the accusations. An experienced lawyer will know what legal strategies will work best in your particular situation to fight these very serious charges. This is especially important for your children as these charges and being on a Sex Offender Registry can affect your child for the rest of their life. Go to websites of local lawyers for more information.

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