Generally speaking, sex offenders, once released from prison, a mental facility, or rehabilitation, are free to live in any residential neighborhood within the state. Some exceptions include prohibitions against residing within 2,000 feet of a school or park where children gather while the offender is on parole or probation. Still, by and large, even offenders who have committedย sexually violent crimes against childrenย can move next door to a family.
And letโs be clear: 2,000 feet is 0.37 miles. This is hardly a buffer zone considering the recidivism rate for violent sexual offenders is up to 46 percent when all crimes are considered. And while only around five percent of those reoffending are charged with sexual offenses,ย California has the second highest number of registered sex offenders in the nation. Five percent is far from insignificant.
Registered sex offenders mustย update their informationย with the stateโs registry at least once a year. Sexually violent offenders may need to update their information every 90 days. Registrants must also update information any time they move.
Families have access to theย database of sexual offendersย and are encouraged to check it regularly. In addition, neighbors should be notified by the authorities if a registrant is moving into their neighborhood.
What Happens When a Registered Sex Offender Harms My Child?
There are criminal consequences for recidivism. These can include prison, fines, and victimโs compensation funds. However, criminal proceedings do not always take into complete account the actual harm done to victims of childhood sexual abuse. For this reason, it is always a good idea to talk toย a child sex abuse lawyerย as soon as possible.
Civil action can be taken against people who sexually abuse children. These claims can be made irrespective of criminal proceedings and do not attempt to determine guilt or innocence. Instead, a civil suit will seek damages for the physical and emotional suffering the victim has and will continue to face as they recover from the crimes committed against them.
The Cifarelli Law Firm has aย proud historyย of helping victims of sexual abuse get justice through civil proceedings. If your child was the victim of a sexual predator, we are here to help you understand your options and rights, and to help your family heal.
Please call our Irvine office atย 949-502-8600ย to schedule a free consultation. Our child sex abuse lawyers serve victims and their families living in Los Angeles and all nearby areas of California.