Sex Offender Registration and Classification Services

Attorney Crouch is a leading practitioner in the area of sex offender classification, having represented many individuals in registration proceedings and in appeals from unfavorable decisions. He has achieved level reductions, orders of relief from registration and dismissals of proceedings, and secured injunctions preventing the Sex Offender Registry Board from disseminating personal registration information to the public. Attorney Crouch's approach to litigating sex offender cases, both at the administrative and appellate levels, involves a thorough investigation and review of the record combined with advocacy challenging the jurisdiction and authority of the Board to classify petitioners.

Sex related crimes and punishments are among the most serious matters handled in the Massachusetts criminal law system. When dealing with sexually related offenses, it is important to secure representation at an early stage in the process. Attorney Crouch and his staff regularly handle sexually related matters at all stages of the criminal and civil process, including proceedings before the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).

For most individuals charged with sexually related offenses, the possible imposition of sex offender registry status is a serious concern. The requirement to register as a sex offender can lead to a lifetime of harassment and intimidation, often creating great difficulty in the areas of employment and housing. It is important to have an attorney who thoroughly understands the charging and prosecution of sex offender cases. An experienced, dedicated attorney can help you navigate the pitfalls of the plea negotiation process in order to minimize or eliminate your involvement with the registry process.

For individuals already adjudicated as sex offenders, Attorney Crouch provides representation at all proceedings before the Sex Offender Registry Board, including registration and level classification proceedings. He also represents inmates and other individuals who are the focus of civil committment proceedings.

The Sex Offender Registry Board

Attorney Crouch handles many civil matters at the SORB on behalf of petitioners. The difference between the different levels of registration can mean the difference between getting a job, keeping a job, or being turned down most everywhere you apply. Attorney Crouch's experience with the defense of individuals charged criminally and civilly with sex related offenses can help protect your rights.

Under Massachusetts law people convicted of certain sex offenses are required to provide their home and work address to the Sex Offender Registry. Failure to do this is a criminal offense and can result in a conviction which carries a possible sentence to county jail or state prison.

This information can't be disseminated to the public until that sex offender has a classification hearing to determine at what level he will be. One has a right to be represented by an attorney at the classification hearing. Your classification is very important and you a have right to contest the states opinion of your level.

There are three classification levels. Level 1; Level 2; and Level 3.

Sex Offenders: Level 1

Where the Sex Offender Registry Board determines that the risk of reoffense by an offender is low and the degree of dangerousness posed to the public by that offender is not such that a public safety interest is served by public availability, the Board shall give that offender a Level 1 designation.

Information on Level 1 offenders will not be available to the public. Neither the police nor the Board have authority to disseminate information to the general public identifying a Level 1 offender.

Sex Offenders: Level 2

Where the Board determines that the risk of reoffense is moderate and the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a public safety interest is served by public availability of registration information, it shall give a Level 2 designation to the sex offender.

The public can access a Level 2 offender's registration information through the local Police Departments and through the Sex Offender Registry Board. A member of the public, however, must actively seek this information through a request as it will not be otherwise disseminated to the public

Sex Offenders: Level 3

Where the Board determines that the risk of reoffense is high and the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active dissemination, it shall give a Level 3 designation to the sex offender. This damaging information can be disseminated to the public through a number of means, including police leaflets, the media, and the Internet. As with Level 2 offenders, a member of the public can request this information through the local police departments or through the Sex Offender Registry Board.

If you need representation before the Sex Offender Registry Board or need advice on any sex offender matter, including classification hearings and motions for reclassification, contact Attorney Attorney Crouch. Your request will be maintained in complete confidence and privacy.

If you are facing a classification proceeding or are already a registered offender who wants assistance in reviewing or challenging his or her classification, or to request further information, please contact us.