Megan's Law Hearing for Jerry Sandusky Scheduled for October

Whittel & Melton 866-608-5529 – Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys

A court hearing to determine whether former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is a sexually violent predator under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law has been scheduled to take place on Oct. 9.

Under Megan’s Law, sexually violent predators are forced to comply with strict reporting requirements following their release from prison.

Sandusky will be sentenced immediately following the hearing to determine whether he will be labeled a sexually violent predator.

He was convicted on June 22 of 45 of 48 counts of child sexual abuse. The 68-year-old remains incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility.

Megan’s Law is a national law that was passed in 1996 that requires all convicted sex predators and offenders to divulge their personal information such as address changes or employment status and location to local law enforcement for a fixed period of time. In the state of Florida, anyone convicted of certain sexual offenses must register with the state either two times or four times a year. The registry allows the public to view various pieces of information pertaining to those labeled sexual predators or offenders, including:

• Name
• Address
• Picture
• Offender Status
• Race
• Date of Birth
• Height
• Sex
• Weight
• Hair and Eye Color
• Any Marks, Tattoos or Scars

Being branded a sexual predator can follow you for the rest of your life. Members of the community will be notified when you move into the neighborhood and you can face certain restrictions on where you can live and work. Failure to abide by the mandatory registration requirements could result in arrest and incarceration. In the state of Florida, failure to register is a felony, so it is imperative to fully understand the restrictions imposed on you in the city or county you reside.

It can be very difficult to have your registration requirements removed. The best way to avoid these penalties is to consult with the Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton before you have been convicted. If you are already required to register, it is important to be aware that there are many reporting requirements and the list is constantly changing. At Whittel & Melton, we can help you understand your specific obligations in relation to your offense and make sure that you are in full compliance with the law.

If you or someone you love is facing sex crimes charges in Florida, or if you have a question about sexual predator or sexual offender penalties, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.