Sex Offender Registration
Worcester Sex Offender Registration Attorney
Massachusetts Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys
This is a source of frustration to many potential clients. Oftentimes clients come in after having been convicted of a "sex offense" many years ago when they get a notice from the Sex Offender Registry Board notifying them of their obligation to provide information and/or register as a Massachusetts sex offender. Clients are frustrated because no one ever told them that this would someday happen to them. The Worcester Massachusetts law firm of LoConto & Madaio, P.C. has vast experience with issues of sex offenses, hearings before the SORB, the science and research behind sex offender recidivism and sex offender counseling. As a general rule, you have one shot at your initial classification hearing. Make sure you maximize your chances of success. Our attorneys will prepare you for the hearing and provide guidance at what steps you can take to increase your chance at a lower classification level in Massachusetts.
1. Do I have to register as a "Massachusetts sex offender"?
As a general rule, if you live or work in Massachusetts and you have been convicted of a "sex offense" after August 1, 1981 you will have to register. What is a sex offense? A sex offense encompasses many things including but not limited to rape, indecent assault and battery, kidnapping of child, incest and possession of child pornography. A complete list is available at the Sex Offender Registry Board web site at www.mass.gov/sorb/. An experienced lawyer will know and be able to inform you what is and is not a sex offense. The best way to avoid having to register is to avoid being convicted of a sex offense. Convictions usually last forever and an attorney should advise his/her client of all possible collateral consequences of a conviction.
2. Who will know if I have to register as a sex offender in Massachusetts?
It depends what level you are required to register at. If you are required to register at a level 3, the public will be actively notified. If you are required to register at a level 2, then people can find out if they ask the local police department. They can then share that information in anyway and with anyone they chose. If you are required to register as a level 1, then that information is generally not available to the public.
3. Can I have my classification changed?
Yes. There are ways to have the classification changed and even have your obligation to register terminated early. Contact an experienced sex offender lawyer at LoConto & Madaio, P.C..
4. What can I do to have the best chance off reducing/eliminating my level?
There are numerous criteria that the Massachusetts SORB looks at when determining what the appropriate level of registration is. We are familiar with all of those criteria and can help present your case in the most positive light. Some things that you can do to help yourself include obey the law, do well on probation, if applicable, attend counseling, develop a relapse prevention plan, retain an expert to develop a treatment plan for you and live your life in such a way as to demonstrate low risk to re-offend. Obviously, each case is different and is filled with issues that are unique to the individual. The earlier we get involved in a case, the greater our opportunity is to provide you with insight and guidance.
