A Virginia criminal lawyer knows the consequences of a sex offender conviction. In addition to registering as a sex offender, those convicted of sex crimes face restrictions on where they can live and the places they can visit. Unfortunately, the specifics of these restrictions are often not readily available to convicted sex offenders upon the completion of their jail sentences. A Virginia criminal lawyer can prove to be an invaluable resource for sex offenders seeking information regarding registry requirements.

For the last two years, a bill that would require Virginia State Police to give sex offenders a list of these restrictions has failed. Additionally, new restrictions and penalties for convicted sex offenders were enacted. However, since state police are not required to inform registered sex offenders of these restrictions, many do not have the information they need to successfully abide by the law. Ignorance of these restrictions is not an excuse for violating them, and therefore, many registered sex offenders feel like they are being set up for failure due to the lack of notice of the restrictions.

Opponents of the bill say that the information on sex offender restrictions is readily available on the internet; however, not all people convicted of sex crimes have access to the internet. In fact, some of the convicted, including Virginia Beach sex offenders, are prevented from using the internet as a condition of their parole. And while free internet access is often available in libraries, public libraries are frequently a restricted area for sex offenders.

Although some local agencies are working on ways to ensure that released sex offenders have access to the information they need to remain within the law, notice of restrictions and changes to the law is limited and inconsistent within the state. For those charged with sex crimes in Virginia, a Virginia criminal attorney understands the law and knows the implications of a sex crime conviction. If you are charged with a sex offense in Virginia, it is recommended that you seek competent, experienced counsel with a proven record of quality representation in sex crime defense.

This article is presented by The Law Offices of Price Benowitz, LLP, representing clients in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. For more information, please visit our Maryland Sex Crime Lawyers and Washington DC Sex Offense Attorneys websites.