New Tennessee Law Could Force Former Sex Offenders Out of Their Homes

 Posted on September 23,2019 in Criminal Defense

It is no secret that sex offenders can lose many rights if convicted of a crime. This is especially true of those who have been found guilty of a sex crime against a minor. While all offenses are recorded and become part of the public domain, sex offenders have a separate “registry” that is easily accessible and can ruin the offender’s future in many ways. Recent Tennessee legislation is making the legal consequences for sex offenders even harsher, possibly kicking them out of their own homes.

What Is the New Law?

This past May, Senate Bill 425 went into effect after Tennessee state senator Joey Hensley introduced the bill. Among other things, the law banishes those convicted of a sex offense against a minor (under the age of 12) from their home if they have a child living there. This was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 10. Those who fall under the qualifications were notified that they had until July 1 to move out of their home, or they could face possible arrest or prosecution. This law was created to mirror similar legislation in Alabama.

The law prohibits sex offenders, whose victim was a minor, from knowingly residing at a home where a minor lives. However, the offender is allowed to reside with a minor if the offender is that child’s parent, unless one of the following conditions is true:

1. The offender’s parental rights are in the process of being terminated or have already been terminated by the state.

2.  Any child of the offender, minor or adult, was a victim of sexual offense by the hands of his or her parent.

3. The offender has been convicted of a sexual offense against a child under the age of 12.

What Are Common Sex Offenses?

As with most crimes, a sexual offense can include a variety of different actions. When the phrase “sex offender” is mentioned, one usually associates the crime with rape. This is one of many different types of sexual crimes recognized in Tennessee. Other examples include sexual battery; the possession, creation and/or distribution of child pornography; and any criminal sexual conduct involving a minor. 

Contact a Knoxville, TN Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a sex crime can be detrimental to your reputation, and being convicted of one has serious consequences to your criminal record. Finding the right defense team can be the one thing standing between you and a prison sentence. Criminal sex cases are complicated and can depend solely on the word of the victim. At the law offices of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand that everyone should have a chance to tell their side of the story, whether they are the victim or the accused party. If you are facing sexual offense charges of any kind, contact our diligent Knox County criminal defense attorneys at 865-281-1000 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://theappeal.org/new-law-forces-dozens-on-tennessees-sex-offender-registry-from-their-homes/

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tbi/documents/TBI%20SOR%20pc0374%202019.pdf