August 1, 2023 | Sex Crimes

Lexington Sex Offender Registration

Being convicted of a sex crime in Lexington, KY, could result in fines and imprisonment. You could also be required to register as a sex offender. According to Kentucky law, a sex offender is defined as a person who pleads guilty, is convicted, or enters an Alford plea to a sex crime defined in Kentucky Revised Statute §17.500(8).

Registering as a sex offender can have numerous collateral consequences. In some instances, being on the Kentucky sex offender registry creates problems finding employment and housing. A registered sex offender cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or public playground. 

If you are arrested on charges of sex crimes in Lexington, the best way to avoid registering as a sex offender is to hire an experienced Lexington sex crimes lawyer to fight the charges.

Overview of Sex Offender Registration in Lexington, Kentucky 

It can be frightening and overwhelming when a judge says you must register as a sex offender. Our Lexington criminal defense lawyers provide answers to common questions about Lexington sex offender registration, including:

What Types of Sex Crimes Qualify for Sex Offender Registration in Kentucky?

Most of the sex crimes in Kentucky require registration as a sex offender. Examples of Lexington sex crimes that require you to register as a sex offender include, but are not limited to:

Individuals who move to Lexington and are registered as sex offenders in another state must register in Kentucky. Likewise, anyone designated as a “Sexually Violent Predator” by any jurisdiction may be required to register with the Kentucky sex offender registry. The length of time you must register as a sex offender depends on your criminal history, the type of offense, and the victim’s age.

How Do You Register as a Sex Offender in Lexington, KY?

If you are convicted of a sex crime that requires registration as a sex offender, you must complete and sign a registration form before you are released. You must provide your current address, physical description, photograph, fingerprints, Social Security number, DNA sample, and internet communication identities. The Kentucky State Police maintain the sex offender registry. 

If you are a lifetime registrant, you must send an address verification form every 90 days. Individuals who must register for 10 to 20 years must send an address verification form every year. Furthermore, you must submit a current photograph once every two years. 

If you move, you must notify the Probation and Parole Office and provide your new address. The office sends the information to the Kentucky State Police to update the sex offender database. 

What Are the Penalties for Failing To Register as a Sex Offender in Lexington, KY?

Failing to comply with the requirements for sex offender registration in Lexington can result in a felony charge. The first offense is a Class D felony. Each subsequent offense is a Class C felony. 

The punishment for a Class D felony is a one to five year prison sentence. The sentence increases to five to ten years for a Class C felony. In addition to the prison sentence, the judge could add thousands of dollars in fines. 

Are There Defenses to Charges of Failing To Register With the Kentucky Sex Offenders Registry?

If you did not willfully fail to register a sex offender, there could be one or more defenses that could prove you are innocent of the charges. Potential defenses to charges of failure to register as a sex offender include:

  • You were not aware that you were required to register as a sex offender
  • The Kentucky State Police lost your registration
  • The state made a mistake when entering your information into the sex offender registry
  • You did not intentionally or willfully refuse to register
  • A medically diagnosed disability prevented you from understanding the requirements 

If you are arrested for failing to obey the laws regarding the sex offender registry, do not ignore the charges. A felony conviction could result in harsh penalties. Instead, contact a Lexington criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

An attorney investigates the criminal charges filed against you, including the circumstances leading up to the criminal charges. If the law enforcement officers violated your rights, you could have additional defenses to the criminal charges. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stop talking to the police and start talking to a criminal defense attorney.

Contact the Lexington Sex Crimes Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the Sex Crimes attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington Law Office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Lexington
333 West Vine Street #212
Lexington, KY 40507
United States