Being convicted of a federal sex crime will impact the rest of your life. Zmerely being accused of a sex crime can set social consequences, like job loss, in motion well before you even have a chance to be tried fairly. For crimes of this nature, the consequences are much more extensive than a prison sentence or a fine, although both are likely. Having to register as a sex offender can affect every facet of your life, from where you can live to what line of work you can be in. 

If you have been accused of a federal sex offense, the sooner you call an experienced criminal defense attorney the better. There is more at stake here than in nearly any other type of prosecution, and you will need a strong legal defense team to protect your rights and future. 

What Will Happen if I am Convicted of a Federal Sex Crime? 

The penalties judicially imposed will vary depending on the crime charged and all the facts and circumstances surrounding it. The social and professional consequences cannot be predictably accounted for, but you can expect them to be harsh. Consequences of a federal sex crime conviction include: 

It is widely known that when a person is convicted of certain sex crimes, they must register on either a state or federal sex registry, or both. It is natural for people to want to avoid this registration. It can be embarrassing and make people feel ashamed, even if they were innocent of the crime and wrongly convicted. However, few people wonder what the consequences are for failing to register on a sex offender registry. A recent story involving a celebrity highlights just how serious this action could be.

Legal Troubles for Nicki Minaj’s Husband

It was in early March that Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, turned himself over to federal agents for failing to register as a sex offender after moving to California. In July, Petty had moved to California from New York to be with Minaj, but court documents state that he intentionally failed to register as a sex offender. This is a requirement outlined in the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). According to the Act, convicted sex offenders must register in each jurisdiction that they live in, reside in, or work or attend school in.

Recently, singer R. Kelly appeared once again in federal court. This time it was to set a trial date for the 11 sexual abuse charges he is facing. R. Kelly continues to deny all charges against him. The fact that this high-profile case is in federal court has some confused. Are sex charges a state crime? When do they become a federal crime?

Federal Court vs. State Court

Like other crimes, when a person is charged with a sex crime, they are arrested and the case is tried in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.

If you are convicted of a sex offense, you will likely have to register as a sex offender. Typically, on must remain registered for a minimum of ten years. Some convictions carry a lifetime registration requirement.

As a sex offender, you are prohibited from living or being present at certain locations, like in the vicinity of school and parks, and you must continually update your personal information as it changes. These requirements can become taxing over time. Failure to adhere to sex offender registration rules can result in additional charges and sentences.

Registration Requirements

Being convicted of child pornography possession can come with years -- even decades -- behind bars. If you have been charged or fear you may be charged with such a crime, you are likely interested in how you can defend yourself from these allegations.

The federal government must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. One way to present to a judge or jury that there is reasonable doubt of your guilt is to mount an effective legal defense with the assistance of a skilled attorney.

There are several common defenses that may be applicable to your case: