Can Juveniles Be Required to Register as Sex Offenders?

Law Office of Katie Walsh

According to the National Center for Juvenile Justice, minors are responsible for 10-15% of reported sexual offenses across the country (1). With numbers this high, under-age sex offenders in California are indeed required to register just like adults. Registering sex offenders is about protecting future victims, not about rehabilitation or punishment. At the Orange County juvenile defense lawyer Katie Walsh’s office, we believe in educating and informing our clients so families can make the right decisions and be as prepared as possible.

What Is CSOR?

CSOR stands for California Sex Offender Registry. It is a database maintained by the state of California that contains personal information about individuals convicted of certain sex crimes. The purpose of the registry is to provide the public with access to information about sexual predators and pedophiles who are living or working in their neighborhoods. This information includes the offender’s name, address, photograph, and details about his or her conviction.

What Does California Law Say?

Under California Penal Code Section 290.008, any minor who is discharged or paroled as a ward of the juvenile court for certain sex crimes must register as a sex offender. This requirement also applies to minors who committed sex crimes in other states then came to California. Sex crimes that require registration include assault with intent to commit rape, sodomy, oral copulation, or possibly other sex-related offenses. The length of registration depends on the severity of the offense committed. 

Juveniles do have the opportunity to petition the court for removal from the sex offender registry after a set period of time. This is a delicate legal process that requires the knowledge and skill of a savvy Orange County juvenile defense lawyer who can present a compelling case on your behalf.

Who Is Exempt from CSOR Registration?

Not all juvenile sex offenders are required to register in the California Sex Offender Registry. For example, minors under the age of 14 at the time of the offense are generally exempt from registration. Additionally, some offenses committed by juveniles may not carry a registration requirement. 

Consequences of Juvenile Sex Crimes

Registering as a sex offender as an adult or a juvenile can have a long-lasting impact. Some of the potential consequences include:

  • Public shaming and discrimination: Being listed as a sex offender can lead to public shaming, stigmatization, and discrimination, affecting your child’s social relationships, reputation, and overall quality of life.
  • Restrictions on travel: Juvenile sex offenders may face travel restrictions, including limitations on international flights.
  • Restrictions on living: Juvenile sex offenders are restricted on where they can live, such as being prohibited from residing near schools, parks, or other areas where children congregate.
  • Restrictions on working: Certain professions or job opportunities may be off-limits to registered sex offenders, limiting work opportunities.

Need an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer?

At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our Orange County juvenile team lawyers are familiar with the complexities and sensitivities surrounding child sex offenders. We are committed to protecting the rights of our clients and providing them with the best possible defense. To set up a free consultation, contact us today.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

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DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client

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