Defendants convicted of most sex crimes in Connecticut must register as sex offenders. Registering as a sex offender comes with significant negative penalties, such as having your status as a sex offender visible to the general public. You may be required to disclose your status as a sex offender to employers, neighbors, and other agencies. Retaining employment or finding future employment can be difficult, and you may have difficulty finding housing. Finally, the social stigma of registering as a sex offender can negatively impact your personal and professional relationships. 

The Benefits of Working with a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney

Due to the serious consequences that come with registering as a sex offender, it is important that you speak to an aggressive criminal defense attorney before you talk to law enforcement officials or accept a plea deal from the prosecution. At The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC, we have a proven track record of fighting hard for our clients and obtaining the best outcome possible in their cases. Do not hesitate to contact us and learn how we can fight for you.

Who is Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Connecticut?

The Connecticut legislature bifurcated its sex offender register into public and non-public registries in 2019. The non-public registries are only viewable by law enforcement officers. When the court finds that registration information is not required for public safety, they have the authority to place a person on the non-public registry. 

According to Connecticut law, a person who’s been convicted of a criminal offense against a minor or a nonviolent sexual offense must register as a sex offender within three days of being released from the commissioner’s custody for a period of 10 years. When a person is convicted twice for a sexual assault crime, he or she must register for life. Additionally, if a person is convicted of sexual assault in the first degree, commonly called rape, he or she must register for life. There are also other crimes that may require you to register as a sex offender for life; please contact our office if you are concerned about your sex offender registration requirements. 

The Difference Between a Tier 1, 2, and 3 Sex Offender

The Connecticut Penal Code ranks sex crimes through a tiered system. Convicted sex offenders face different penalties regarding registration based on the crime for which they were convicted. They may face limitations on where they are allowed to live if miners could be present in the area. For example, they may not be able to live by a playground, school, or park.

Tier I Sex Crimes

Those convicted of a Tier I sex crime must register as a sex offender for 15 years and verify their registration annually. Generally, sex crimes within Tier I are non-violent and involve crimes in which the victim is at or above the age of consent. Public indecency and sexual contact without permission are common examples of Tier 1 sex crimes.

Tier II Sex Crimes

Tier II sex crimes require semiannual verification and registration with the sex offender register for 25 years. These are more serious sex crimes that include sexual contact with minors ages 12 through 15, production or distribution of child pornography, and sex trafficking of minors.

Tier III Sex Crimes

Tier III sex offenses are the most serious and carry the most severe penalties. These types of sex crimes include rape and other sexual acts involving force or carried out under threat. They also include sexual contact with a child under age 12, false imprisonment of minors, non-parental kidnapping, and other serious felonies. A defendant convicted of a Tier III sex crime will be required to register as a sex offender for his or her lifetime and undergo quarterly verification.

Schedule an Initial Consultation with a Skilled Attorney

Most sex crimes in Connecticut are considered felonies, and nearly every sex crime requires a convicted defendant to register as a sex offender. If you are convicted, you must register and periodically renew your registration. If you do not register, you could face additional criminal penalties. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Contact The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can fight to uphold your reputation, record, and freedom.