The stigma that comes with being charged with a sex crime can make it difficult for the accused in many aspects. Many of these crimes have received high publicity, meaning many jurors are already familiar with the case before hearing any of the details. While an experienced criminal defense attorney can help in the courtroom, many accused sex offenders are finding that they are facing potentially dangerous situations in the community.

Vigilantism is on the rise against sex offenders, even those who have not been convicted of any crimes. Several examples of attacks on sex offenders have made news. A recent case in California highlights the challenges for the court.

William Lynch was arrested and charged with assault after beating Jerold Lindner at a nursing home. Lynch had accused Lindner, a Jesuit minister, of abusing him and his brother during camping trips in 1975. In 2002, Lynch and his brother received $625,000 in a settlement with the Jesuits of California Province because of the abuse.

Lindner was not ever convicted of any crimes related to the abuse, because the statute of limitations had already expired. Lynch found out where Lindner currently lived and attacked him, requiring that Lindner receive medical attention.

Lynch has pledged to aggressively fight the charges against him. If the matter goes to trial, the court will need to decide if the evidence of the abuse will be heard by the jury. While the abuse does not provide Lynch with a legal reason for his actions, it may lead the jury to feel sympathetic for Lynch.

The impact of this case could cause others to follow in Lynch's footsteps. Finding out where a sex offender lives is relatively easy, due to sex offender registration requirements. Users of smart phones can even download an app which will provide data on nearby sex offenders using GPS and registration records.

With so much information available to the public, offenders may find themselves as easy targets. Those who wish to harm the offender may find that the courts will be reluctant to punish them for their attacks. In some situations, this could lead to someone who is wrongly accused of a sex crime being violently beaten or killed.

When sex offender notifications are released, often the law enforcement agency specifically encourages the community not to take the law into their own hands. Those accused of the crimes are afforded an opportunity to present a defense in the courtroom. If that opportunity is taken away from them, the system will not work properly.