Registering as a Sex Offender in Denver & Jefferson County
Colorado law requires sex offenders to register their address, work location, email addresses, and a list of personal information with the local law enforcement where they live. See our Sex Offender Registration page. Agencies such as the Denver Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff are required to post some of that information, including a photograph of the offender, on the internet for public access. Why? I believe it’s because the average citizen believes what we are told too easily about increased safety. Furthermore, the public likes the idea that sex offenders should be re-punished. Our Colorado State Legislature doesn’t say they want to dish out more punishment, so they say internet posting of sex offenders information is done for “public safety” reasons.
Sex Offender Registration in Douglas County Does not Always Make us Safer
In spite of the fact the Colorado Legislature’s determination that sex offenders must register for public safety reasons in Douglas County, two recent studies have concluded we are not. In fact, the opposite may be true. See, J.J. Prescott and Jonah E. Rockoff, “Do Sex Offender Registration and Notification Laws Affect Criminal Behavior?” Journal of Law and Economics 54:1. Also see, Amanda Y. Agan, “Sex Offender Registries: Fear Without Function?” Journal of Law and Economics 54:1. Both studies show posting of sex offender information on the internet may in fact be having the opposite effect. It is sort of like the kid who is constantly bullied. At some point he begins to feel he has nothing to lose and his behavior goes out of control.
Adams County – Sex Offender Registration’s Unplanned Consequences
Our legal system and society can act as the bully to a registered sex offender. Residents living in Adams County want to know when a sex offender moves into the neighborhood, but they are not prepared for this knowledge. In fear, they isolate the offender, and sometimes do worse. They are filled with the notion that the offender is the most dangerous person around. In addition neighbors were not prepared for every home within walking distance to take a 30% reduction in value. Residents didn’t think how easy it would be for a potential buyer to check and see that a sex offender lives in the neighborhood. Other than the social stigma attached to the offender, notification and internet posting seems to hurt everyone else more than the offender.
Lawyer for Sex Offender in Arapahoe County
If you are a registered sex offender in Arapahoe County or anywhere in Colorado, and you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible to petition the court to deregister. Call us and we can help answer any questions you may have. If you are accused of a sex crime, be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent. Call our experienced sex offender lawyers at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.