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Can Juveniles Be Required to Register as Sex Offenders?
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.
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