Georgia Rape Defense Attorney - Frequently Asked Questions
What restrictions are placed on Georgia sex offenders?
In addition to being placed on a publicly available sex offender registry and having to regularly update their personal information with local authorities, convicted sex offenders must abide by severe restrictions on where they can live, work and even visit.
According to the Georgia statute (O.C.G.A. 42-1-15), anyone classified as a registered sex offender after July 1, 2008 cannot reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, church, school or “area where minors congregate.” The 1,000-foot distance is measured from the outer boundary of the place of residence to the outer boundary of the prohibited facility.
“Areas where minors congregate” include public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, public and community swimming pools, and school bus stops. (The ban on living near school bus stops is being challenged in court, as these bus stops are often poorly defined.)
In addition, anyone classified as a sexually dangerous predator after July 1, 2008 cannot be employed by or volunteer at any business or entity located within 1,000 feet of an area where minors congregate.
If a sex offender already lives or works at a location and a prohibited entity moves within 1,000 feet, the offender is usually not required to move. According to the law, if a person owns or leases property on which they reside or has established employment at a place of business, and, subsequently, a school, childcare facility, church, or place where minors congregate moves within 1,000 feet of their property or workplace, that person is not in violation of the law. However, they may have to provide proof of prior residence or employment to local authorities.
Sex offender restrictions are constantly evolving, with harsher restrictions put in place more recently. If a person committed a sex offense before June 4, 2004, residence, employment and volunteering restriction do not apply. If a person committed the offense between June 4, 2003 and June 30, 2006, employment and volunteering restrictions do not apply, but residence restrictions are applicable. Those convicted of crimes committed between June 31, 2006 and June 30, 2008 must abide by both employment and residence restrictions.
To understand the current requirements you should consult local law enforcement or speak directly with a sex crimes defense attorney.
Get in touch.
To speak with an experienced Georgia Rape Defense Attorney, just complete the form to the right or call The Berry Law Group right now at (404) 816-4440.