Man arrested for failing to register as sexual predator after police ask for help from public

A Jacksonville man was arrested this month for failing to register as a sexual predator following his release from prison. Police issued a warrant for the man and broadcast his picture and information a week prior to try to get the public’s help in finding him, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. The man was arrested in a Jacksonville motel and is now in jail facing the charge of failing to register as a sexual predator. That charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison.

The man served nearly four years in prison for sexual battery on a child and did not register with police after he was released from prison last year, the newspaper reported. It’s important to note that the five years are likely not the only time the man is now facing. By failing to register he almost certainly also broke the terms of his probation, which could expose him to the maximum sentence of the crime he committed in the first place. For example, if his original charge was a second-degree felony, the maximum sentence would have been 15 years in state prison. In this Jacksonville Sex Crimes Case, the man served four. So by violating his probation, he could then be sentenced to the rest of the sentence he has yet to serve – in this case, 11 years. In all other types of criminal charges, that would be the end of the potential punishment.

But this is where the difference lies between Jacksonville Sex Crimes and all other types of crimes. There is a specific and separate charge for failing to register as a sexual offender or predator. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has strict guidelines that sexual offenders and predators must adhere to when it comes to registration. Those deemed to be sexual predators must register with police within 48 hours of release from prison. They also must check in with authorities at least twice a year and notify police within two days of moving residences. And when a sexual offender or predator moves, neighbors are notified that he or she has moved to the area, with information that includes his or her name, address and the type of crime they pleaded guilty to or were convicted of. The implications following a Jacksonville Sex Crime conviction are more severe than even someone convicted of murder, and can make it extremely difficult for a person to recover and get his or her life back together. That can be true even after a Jacksonville Sex Crime accusation – even without the restrictions that come with a conviction. Our Jacksonville Sex Crimes Attorney has represented hundreds of people accused of sex crimes and knows the severe consequences a conviction can bring. Our Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney will investigate the case against you or your loved one and explain the implications so you can make an informed decision going forward.

If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Jacksonville Sex Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.