Whether you a minor or an adult, there are long-term harmful consequences if you have been accused of a sex crime. Even a minor sexual offense can have you labeled as a ‘sexual offender’, permanently, affecting your life forever.
In Virginia, sex crimes are broadly divided into two major categories, viz. sexually violent offenses and sexual offenses (non-violent). In either case, the nature of sex crime is so heinous that even if merely charges are leveled against you, it can require you to be compulsorily registered in your area as a ‘sexual offender’. Also, even when a sexual offender is released from their charges, their life becomes challenging with several threats.
Consequences to Face
Society’s opinion about sex offenders living in public neighborhoods and residential areas is negative, to say the least. The general public makes various assumptions about them like sexual predators are never likely to be good people, thus, they are highly likely to repeat similar sexual offenses upon their release from prison. The court order may put limits on where a sex offender can work, travel or even live in their county or neighborhoods. The many horrible consequences an individual faces when labeled as a ‘sex offender’, includes, no participation in activities (even religious) that involve children, loss of job, housing, and reputation, restrictions on where to live, work and travel, and strict monitoring by law enforcement agencies. All this makes it even more difficult to rehabilitate them.
Beyond the Label
Sex offenders who have already completed their sentenced punishments have a very hard time attempting to fit back into the society as well as their communities. They also face difficulty in regaining their rights and lost opportunities that the general public enjoys. When the label of ‘sex offender’ has been added to the mix, trying to move beyond this label and finding a sense of normalcy may prove to be quite difficult.
Individuals who have been accused of sex crimes need dire support and help, from the prison staff as well as others in the criminal justice system, since the start of their incarceration. This helps them to be prepared for a little smoother and less difficult reentry into the society and probably keep them from getting back into sexual crimes.
It is obviously understandable that every victim of a sex crime, as well as the communities and neighborhoods in which they live, would face difficulty in knowing that a registered sex offender resides among them. Though it is not surprising that there are many individuals who think that further punishment or persecution for sex offenders should be illegal once they are released from custody.
Hire a Sex crime attorney if you have been accused of a sex crime
A well-versed and qualified sex crime lawyer will not only support your case and represent you in the court but also help you get the best result from the court proceedings. The chosen attorney should have a high success rate with similar types of sex crime cases and must have a good reputation in Virginia courts and legal chambers.