For those who’ve been designated as a sexual offender or sexual predator, the prospect of Megan’s Law and registering as a sex offender in Florida can feel humiliating, especially when innocent, extenuating circumstances led to the legal ordeal. If you’re facing any type of sex crime litigation, you’ll need stalwart legal advocacy to defend your rights and inform you of exactly what you’re up against. Our Musca criminal defense attorney team can provide you with confidential counsel and help you fight the legal battles you’re facing. The Premise of Megan’s Law in Florida Megan’s Law, a national law passed in 1996, was developed as an amendment to the 1994 Jacob Wetterling Act, primarily a piece of child-protection legislation. Megan’s Law mandates all states to devise a protocol providing public access to information about sex offenders in their community.
Because of Megan’s Law, anyone deemed as a sex offender by the Florida courts must register with the state and comply with stringent registration requirements. The public can access information regarding sex offenders on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website, complete with a searchable offender database and an offender alert email subscription opt-in.
Having your name in the database often means a negative ripple effect; finding gainful employment, renting a home, and choosing your location of residence may become increasingly difficult. In most cases, Florida mandates sex offenders to remain on the list for life. However, the law stipulates the possibility of a pardon under special circumstances, some of which are detailed in Florida Statute 943.04354. It’s in your best interests to consult with one of our experienced Florida sex crime attorneys and discuss the possibility of a removal from the list.
Florida has a specific set of registration requirements that are imposed upon any person designated as a sex offender or sexual predator, all of which carry strict time guidelines. Failure to adhere to Florida’s regulations can result in an additional felony charge. Our defense attorneys are acutely aware of the impact Megan’s Law can have, as well as the negative social stigma attached to it. When you enlist our help, we’ll use our non-judgmental approach to explore your options and make sure your legal rights are upheld.
Uncovering Megan’s Law Shortcomings Although Megan’s Law was enacted with the best of intentions, the obvious pitfalls and blatant inefficiencies leave much to be desired. Unfortunately, sex offender legislation such as Megan’s Law is usually passed in response to public outrage and mismanaged emotions, rather than sound research geared toward correcting and reducing the crime.
Some of the shortcomings of Megan’s Law include:
- Lack of consistency and uniformity
- Lack of efficacy
- High costs
- Subsequence violence
- Breached confidentiality
- Far-reaching punitive ramifications
Musca Law Firm, with over 100 years of combined defense experience, is sympathetic to those adversely affected by Megan’s Law and is dedicated to standing up for civil liberties. In light of these serious implications of Megan’s Law, don’t procrastinate in calling one of our offices located throughout Florida in cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville to begin devising a well-organized strategy. Your free consultation with our sex offense attorneys could make all the difference to your freedom and your future.
