Do I Have to Inform My Neighbors About a Sex Crime Conviction Involving a Juvenile?
Whether you are currently facing sex crime charges for an offense involving a juvenile victim, or you are currently on probation or parole in connection with this type of conviction, you may have questions about reporting requirements. Many people want to know if they must inform their neighbors, or their co-workers, for example, of a sex crime conviction. You may have particular concerns about this if you live in a neighborhood where there are a significant number of children, or if you currently reside in an area near a school. Indiana law does not require a person to inform specific individuals of a conviction, but the person may face sex offender registration requirements and may be subject to residency restrictions.
Our Indianapolis sex crimes lawyers can explain in more detail.
You Do Not Need to Inform Neighbors of a Sex Crime Conviction Directly
Indiana law does not require a person who has been convicted of a sex crime, including a sex crime involving a juvenile victim, to inform their neighbors about the conviction. However, this information will be available to your neighbors and other members of the public if you are required to register as a sex offender or a violent sex offender under Indiana law.
You May Need to Register as a Sex Offender or Violent Sex Offender
Sex offender registration on the sex offender registry is required if you are convicted of any of the following offenses under IC 11-8-8-4.5:
- Rape;
- Criminal deviate conduct;
- Child molesting;
- Child exploitation;
- Vicarious sexual gratification;
- Child solicitation;
- Child seduction;
- Sexual misconduct with a minor;
- Incest;
- Sexual battery;
- Kidnapping if the victim is under the age of 18 and the person is not a parent or guardian;
- Criminal confinement if the victim is under the age of 18 and the person is not a parent or guardian;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Promoting prostitution;
- Promotion of human sexual trafficking;
- Promotion of child sexual trafficking;
- Promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child;
- Child sexual trafficking;
- Human trafficking if the victim is under the age of 18; and
- Sexual misconduct by a service provider with a detained or supervised child.
Registration is only required in the event of a conviction — if you are charged but are not convicted, your neighbors will not be able to find information about your charges on the sex offender registry.
You May Be Facing Residency Limitations Even If You Are Not Required to Inform Neighbors
While you may not be required to inform specific neighbors about a sex offense conviction involving a juvenile, you may be facing residency restrictions under IC 35-42-4-11. Depending on the specific details of your criminal conviction, you may be required to avoid residing within one mile of the victim, as well as within 1,000 feet of a school, youth center, public park, day care center, or childcare provider.
Contact Our Indianapolis Sex Crime Defense Lawyers for Assistance with Your Case
Whether you are facing charges for a sex crime involving a juvenile victim or you have concerns about requirements under Indiana law with which you must comply, it is important to seek help from a lawyer who has experience handling sex crime defenses in Indiana. An experienced Indianapolis sex crimes defense attorney at Rigney Law LLC can discuss the details of your case with you today and can answer any questions you have. Contact us for more information.
Sources:
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-11/article-8/chapter-8/section-11-8-8-4-5/
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-35/article-42/chapter-4/section-35-42-4-11/