What is sex offender registration?
Why shouldn’t I just plead guilty to the offensive to get it over with?
Do I have to have a lawyer?
What will it cost to hire a lawyer?
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

What is sex offender registration?
Broadly put, the law requires that after you have been sentenced, and while released on parole or probation, you must provide law enforcement, schools, and neighbors, with information concerning where you live and work.  The registration requirements are intricate, expensive, time consuming, and embarrassing to your family.   Depending on the crime your were accused of, the registration can be for a period of years or for life.

Why shouldn’t I just plead guilty to the offense to get it over with?
 Pleading guilty to a sex offense produces harsh consequences of whicy you may not be aware.  The prosecutor and the judge are often not aware of all the consequences either.  There may be an alternative charge that all parties can agree upon that doesn’t require registration as a sex offender, or isn’t even a sex crime.  You also may have a valid legal defense, but you don’t have the training, experience, or expertise to see it.  An attorney experienced in defending sex crimes can guide your decision and keep you from making a mistake that will ruin your life forever.

Do I have to have a lawyer?
A lawyer is not required in any legal proceeding, but it would be certainly be in your best interest to have someone who is trained and experienced in the nuances of defending sex crime cases to make sure your rights are protected to the full extent of the law. In the same way that you can set your own broken leg instead of consulting a doctor, it is possible, but not a good idea.

What will it cost to hire a lawyer?
The question is not whether you can afford a lawyer, but whether you can afford not to have one. The justice system is very unforgiving and there are no second chances. Make sure that the choices you make are the right ones. My fees are reasonable, fair, and in accordance with the level of offense and time your case will require. Rather than make a blanket assertion of fees, I prefer to consider the full circumstances and work with clients to arrive at a fee that is appropriate for each case.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
The law divides criminal offenses into two types: felonies and misdemeanors. In general, misdemeanors are “minor” offenses, requiring jail time of less than a year. Felonies, on the other hand, are considered “major” offenses and can range from a third offense DUI / DWI to murder. A felony conviction means you no longer have the right to vote, hold public office, or possess firearms.