Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Indiana, as do many other states, maintains a statewide database of convicted sex offenders who have been released from prison and are living in the state. According to the Indiana Department of Correction, the purpose of the Registry is “to inform the general public about the identity, location, and appearance of sex and violent offenders who live, work, or study in Indiana.”
Who Must Register?
Registration requirements apply to any “sex or violent offender” living, working, or attending school in Indiana for designated time periods. An offender who spends or intends to spend at least 7 days during any 180-day period must register. An offender who owns property in Indiana and returns to the state “at any time” must also register. An offender who works in Indiana for at least 7 consecutive days or more than 14 days per year must register. An offender enrolled in school in Indiana on a full- or part-time basis must also register.
What Does the Term “Sex or Violent Offender” Mean?
A person is considered to be a “sex or violent offender” if they have been convicted of certain specific designated crimes, including rape, child molestation, promotion of human sex trafficking, murder, voluntary manslaughter, and a number of others. Indiana’s registration requirements apply not only to offenders who were convicted in Indiana but also to offenders who were convicted of a sex crime in another state.
How Long Will the Registration Requirements Last?
A sex or violent offender must continue to register until 10 years after they were released from prison, placed in a “community transition” or “community correction” program, or placed on parole or probation, with the 10-year period beginning from the latest of any of these events. In more serious cases, such as an offender who is designated as a “sexually violent predator” or who committed certain designated types of sex crimes, the offender is required to register for life.
What Information is Included in the Registry, and Who Can See It?
The registry is maintained on a publicly searchable database that includes the offender’s name, age, photo, address, work, outstanding warrants, and a description of the convictions and sentences that resulted in their having to register.
Can a Listing on the Sex and Violent Offender Registry Be Challenged?
There are procedures in place that allow someone listed on the Sex and Violent Offenders Registry to file a formal complaint about changes made to their listing or about a refusal to make requested changes to their listing. In addition, if the offense that resulted in a listing was committed before July 1, 2007, it may be possible to have a listing removed if it has not been removed already.
Razumich & Associates Can Answer Your Questions About the Sex and Violent Offenders Registry
If you have questions about a listing on Indiana’s Sex and Violent Offenders Registry, including questions about removing listings based on convictions earlier than July 1, 2007, contact Razumich & Associates for help. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand Indiana’s laws and procedures relating to the Sex and Violent Offender Registry as well as the other aspects of criminal law in Indiana. We are ready to help you make sure you comply with the law if you’re required to register and to help you remove or change your listing if there are grounds to do so.
Call us today at 317-449-8661 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. We are here to listen, to help, and to protect your rights.
