Sex Offenses

Sex offenses in Pennsylvania run the gamut from misdemeanor offenses such as indecent exposure and certain varieties of indecent assault to first degree felony offenses such as rape and aggravated indecent assault. Like many other crimes, a conviction will likely have serious and substantial consequences regardless of the grading. Unlike other crimes, a conviction for a sex offense has a particularly stigmatizing effect and will require registration with the Pennsylvania State Police.

Pennsylvania requires that individuals who have been convicted of certain sexual offenses register with the Pennsylvania State Police. The period for registration is for either fifteen years, twenty-five years or for life. Which registration category a person falls into depends upon what offense they have been convicted of, whether they have additional convictions for sex offenses and whether they have been designated as a sexually violent predator. All registrants are required to provide the State Police information concerning current and intended residences, employment and schooling. Registrants must promptly update the State Police of any changes in residence, employment or schooling. The rules regarding registration requirements and updating the State Police of any changes are very specific and any violation of the registration requirements itself constitutes a felony offense. For this reason, if these requirements apply to you or a member of you family, I strongly encourage you to consult an attorney with any questions you have concerning your specific circumstances and what is required of you.