What You May Not Know About Sex Offender Registration in Connecticut

Depending on the nature and severity of your charges AND the outcome of a case, a sex offender may be required to register as a sex offender. While there are critics of this system due to the broad power and sweeping authority of this registry, it remains an obligation for those convicted of most sex offenses.


All persons convicted of any felony sex offenses are required to register as a sex offender. In Connecticut, certain misdemeanor convictions also require registration. They include:


1. 53a-186 – Public Indecency, if the victim is under 18.

2. 53a-73a – Sexual Assault 4th Degree


If you are required to register as a sex offender, you will be faced with the following ramifications:


1. Providing your name and physical address to the national and state registry.


2. Facing limited employment opportunities

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3. Being prevented from entering college


4. Being prevented from living in certain apartment complexes or other housing


5. Being prevented from obtaining any professional license, especially if that license involves employment that requires interaction with children.


6. Being prevented from entering the medical profession, education, law and law enforcement in addition to many other fields


7. Being prevented from living within a certain distance from places where children and families gather such as churches, parks, schools, shopping centers and other public venues



Levels of Sex Offenders


Level 1 – considered to be at low risk to offend again

Level 2 – considered to be at moderate risk to offend again

Level 3 – considered to be at high risk to offend again


Failure to register as required is a felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison.


Due to the fact that most people do not realize there are different levels of offenders, your goal should be to stay off this registry, regardless of the level of offense.


Only a criminal defense lawyer can prevent you from having to register as a sex offender if you are charged with a criminal offense of a sexual nature. You will not be able to negotiate a lower charge for yourself. The simple reason is that attempting to do so requires you to give up your right to remain silent and potentially incriminate yourself. In fact, most prosecutors will tell you to get a lawyer under these circumstances knowing that the long term and short term

consequences to you can be extremely damaging to you if you don’t. Only a lawyer can effectively negotiate on your behalf!


Attorney Erin Field, criminal defense lawyer in Connecticut, has solid experience in handling sex offense cases and will make sure your rights are protected. If you have are accused of a sex crime or other criminal charges, find out how attorney Erin Field can help you. Call her to discuss your case for free. Visit http://hartfordctdefenselawyer.com/