Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

 Posted on January 11, 2024 in Criminal Defense

If you have been convicted of a sex crime, you may be facing jail time, probation, and hefty fines. However, after you are released, you will be required to register on the sex offender registry.

The registry is available to the public, and the collateral consequences can affect your ability to live a normal life. If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is critical that you hire a Chicago sex crimes attorney to protect your good name.

You Might Be Listed on the Sex Offender Registry

If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Illinois, you will likely need to register as a sex offender for a minimum of 10 years. For most sex offenders, you will need to re-register annually. If you are deemed a sexual predator, you will need to re-register every 90 days.

The national sex offender registry lists the sex offenders in all 50 states. Each entry includes the sex offender’s full name, photograph, aliases, current age, past and present places of residence, and past and present places of employment. Within one click, your reputation can be forever ruined.

Problems Securing Employment

When you apply for a job, part of the application process involves performing a background check on you. If you have a criminal record, that will appear on the background check. Any convictions or arrests will be visible, as well as if you are listed on the sex offender registry.

Many employers are dissuaded from hiring employees with a criminal history. Although an employer is not allowed to deny you employment based on your criminal record alone, he or she may provide other reasons for denying you the position.

Thankfully, Illinois has passed laws protecting those who have a criminal record. The Illinois Human Rights Act protects anyone with a criminal history from being denied a job, promotion, or being fired from their current job without notice. If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you should contact a Cook County sex crimes attorney.

Trouble Renting an Apartment

Landlords may potentially deny your rental application due to your criminal history but cite other reasons for not renting to you. However, landlords in the state of Illinois are not allowed to discriminate against a potential tenant based solely on a person’s criminal record.

If a prospective tenant is qualified on all accounts to rent, The Just Housing Amendment requires landlords to perform an individualized assessment before denying an individual housing. The assessment looks at factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the number of convictions the individual has had in the past three years, and how long it has been since the convict’s last offense, among other factors.

Even with these protections in place, you will likely have to jump through hurdles to enjoy the same advantages as everyone else.

Contact a Chicago, IL, Sex Crimes Attorney Today

If you are placed on the sex offender registry, you will likely struggle to lead a normal life. Although illegal, you may potentially be denied a job or housing based on your criminal record.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against, it is important that you reach out to a Cook County, IL, sex crimes attorney at your earliest convenience. Contact Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro online or by calling 312-627-9482 to schedule your free consultation.