Sex Offender Registry Gets New Challenge From Out-of-State Vacationer

A Pennsylvania man’s family trip to Disney World is at the center of his legal challenge against Florida’s sex offender registry requirements.

The unidentified man — referred to as “John Doe” in court documents — is asking a court to order that he be removed from the state’s sex offender registry, Law.com reports. He was convicted on child pornography charges in Pennsylvania, but removed from the state’s registry in 2016.

Here is where the Disney trip fits in: The man was still on Pennsylvania’s registry in 2015 when he and his family traveled to Florida for a 10-day vacation. He registered with local law enforcement in Florida when he arrived, in accordance with state law that requires sex offenders from other states to alert authorities if they move to or temporarily reside in the Sunshine State.

The problem for John Doe is that he now continues to be listed on Florida’s sex offender database, despite being scrubbed from the list in his own home state. The man says his only tie to Florida is the 10-day vacation in 2015.

“Keeping Mr. Doe on the registry does nothing to solve sex crimes against Floridians or to help them protect themselves from being victimized by sex crimes,” lawyers for Doe told a Florida court, according to Law.com. “The state, therefore, has no conceivable interest in continuing to publish his identity, physical description, address, or crime details on its website.”

Sex offender registration is a particularly harsh consequence of being convicted of a sex crime in Florida. It can do serious harm to your reputation, personal relationships, and ability to find and keep a job.

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Florida, your name and home address will be listed in the state sex offender registry upon your release. Your photo will also be posted on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is available to the general public

That is just one reason why anyone suspected of or charged with a sex offense fight the case head-on with the assistance of a seasoned defense lawyer.

If you or a loved one has been charged with or is suspected of a sex crime in Florida, it is important to have an experienced attorney in your corner. A Fort Lauderdale sex crimes attorney at Whittel & Melton can help.

Our Florida sex crime lawyers represent clients throughout the Sunshine State who have been charged with a wide variety of offenses, including child pornography, sexual assault, rape, internet solicitation, and offenses involving victims who are minors. We work tirelessly to fight these charges in order to get charges dropped or reduced whenever possible.

Our firm handles cases throughout the state, including in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola. Contact us online or call 866-608-5529 for a free evaluation with a Fort Lauderdale sex crimes attorney.