Proposed Bill Would Require Workplace Registration for Sex Offenders

 Posted on March 28, 2015 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Illinois and across the country, crimes of a sexual nature are taken very seriously, frequently resulting in severe criminal penalties. Depending on the offense, a convicted sex offender may also be required to register as such with the statewide Sex Offender Database and remain on the registry for a minimum of ten years. Some lawmakers, however, believe that more complete registry information may help law enforcement in the investigation of future complaints and crimes, and are taking steps toward updating the law.

Workplace Registration Requirement Proposal

Illinois Senator Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield, recently presented legislation that would increase registration requirements for convicted sex offenders, mandating that they register with local police departments in the municipalities where they are employed. In addition to the state registry, current law requires offenders to register with law enforcement of the municipality in which they maintain residence. Some officials are concerned that residential registration may not be sufficient, as employment often means that a sex offender will be physically present in another jurisdiction for 40 hours per week or more, a substantial amount of time.

The issue was brought to light when a Highland Park police officer discovered that a registered sex offender was employed at a company near a park where children frequently play. While there was no suspicion of illicit activities, local enforcement expressed the hope that in the event there was a complaint or a need to investigate, access to potentially helpful information regarding known sex offenders would be more easily obtained.

Current Mandates

Under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act, individuals convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register with the state and local registries. Offenses which qualify one as a “sex offender” under the terms of the law include but are not limited to:

• Sexual exploitation, abuse, or solicitation of a child;
• Child pornography;
• Criminal sexual assault and sexual abuse;
• Kidnapping or unlawful restraint;
• Multiple convictions of public indecency; and
• Sexual misconduct with a disabled person.

In addition to the state and residential registry mandate, a sex offender attending or working at a college or university must also register with the school and the police department in the school’s municipality.

Registration must be renewed annually and an offender is required to remain on the registry for ten years following conviction or release from prison. An individual classified by law as a “sexual predator” is required to register for the remainder of his or her life.

Get the Help You Need

If you have been charged with any type of sex crime, or allegations lead you to believe you soon may be charged, the rest of your life may be at stake. You need the professional representation that only a qualified lawyer can provide. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Illinois today for a consultation. Attorney Hal Garfinkel understands the seriousness of your situation and is prepared to help you.