Information Center Sex Offenses

Your rights need to be respected. Too often, people automatically assume that anyone charged with a sex crime is guilty. The police and prosecutors are just as likely as anyone else to do it. We scrutinize law enforcement agencies carefully to make sure they don't overstep their bounds, use illegal techniques or violate your rights.

Sex Offender Registry

These days, sex crimes garner a lot of media attention - especially if you have a high profile. Even if the charges are dropped or you are found innocent, the stigma sticks. At the law offices of Rob McKinney, we do everything possible to help your reputation and community standing.

All states require sex offender registration of some kind. Individuals convicted as sex offenders must register their addresses with law enforcement. Sex offenders must also send updates whenever they change addresses and must keep their registration information current. Some states require sex offenders to verify information on a yearly basis via mail or more frequently if deemed violent predators. States have different requirements regarding what offenses require registration and for what periods of time. Additionally, some offenses that are more serious may require registration for life. Serious crimes vary by state, but most commonly include repeat offenders, violent sexual offenders and those who commit sexual crimes against children. If you are concerned about your status under these rules, contact Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law in Nashville, Tennessee for help and advice.

Community Notification

In addition to sex offender registration laws, all fifty states also have community notification laws. States enacted sex offender registration laws and community notification laws in response to state and federal acts, mainly Megan's Law, the Jacob Wetterling Act and the Pam Lyncher Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act. Megan's Law was passed by the New Jersey legislature when Megan Kanka, a seven-year-old girl, was kidnapped and murdered by her neighbor, who had been previously convicted of sex offenses against children. Congress passed the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act ("Jacob Wetterling Act") in 1994, to give law enforcement agencies, the FBI and the public access to state sex offender registries. To avoid losing federal funding, states passed laws in compliance with the Jacob Wetterling Act. Public notification of sex offender information was furthered in 1996 by the federal Megan's Law. This enabled law enforcement to release sex offender registry information to the public in order to protect the community. Also in 1996, Congress enacted the Pam Lyncher Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act, which created a federal sex offender registration database.

State implementation of these federal laws may vary. Generally, when sex offenders register with local law enforcement, that information is given to the public in the offenders' areas. This may include school boards or principals, neighbors and child care facilities near where the registered sex offender lives and works. The public may also view the sex-offender registry for some states on the Internet or at local police departments. Additionally, some states have mandatory sex-offender notification processes. Neighbors, business and schools in the offender's geographic area may be notified of his or her name, address and vocation. The notification process and length of time an offender must register varies from state to state. However, generally, if you must register as a sex offender, your community will have access to your identity, address and sex-offender classification. If you have been charged with a sexual offense, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our law firm understands the personal impact of being labeled a sex offender and will use its experience to provide you with a vigorous defense to help you try to avoid having to register as a sex offender.

Conclusion

Sex offender registries and notification are important for community protection from violent predators. However, in the drive for safety, some lesser offenses may be included and this can be devastating to a sex offender. If you are facing sexual-assault charges in Nashville, Tennessee, you need the experienced and aggressive defense that an attorney at Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law will provide.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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Rob McKinney
Attorney at Law
214 2nd Ave N., Suite 103
Nashville, TN 37201

Phone: 615-259-9009
Toll-Free: 1-877-364-6072
Fax: 615-242-5967

"There are precious times in our lives when we are blessed with people in our life who make a difference. Although at times we may not have the right words to express just how grateful we are, we truly are grateful. God has brought you into our life, and we are forever thankful for you and all that you have done. Even if at times we may not say so. The picture included is of our daughter. We believe that it is she who will benefit the most from what you have done for us. Because of you, her father will be returned to her soon. That is why I would like to say thank you. People may not take the time to acknowledge the great work that you do or have done, but we want you to know that we do."

Thank You So Very Much - Nathan

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Thank you so very much Rob,

My regret is that we met under such a circumstance, my second regret is that we did not seek you sooner. Joshua's father did something good, he introduced us to you. You have been so important to us, some good comes from every misfortune, we were able to know you, and appreciate your talent.

Maybe Josh will further his education, if so this money will help him.

We will never forget you,
Thank you Robin,
(names omitted to protect confidentiality)

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Dear Rob,

I wanted to take this time to sincerely thank you for your success in my court case on May 6th. I know this is a little delayed as I have been busy as we all are... Anyway, I want you to know how much I appreciate your attention to detail and your professionalism. I made it through the 48 hours and have put it past me. Thanks once more for your ability to get it reduced and if I ever need legal assistance in the future, you have proven yourself to me.

Sincerely,

A.W.

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Rob,

Thank you for always taking care of Charles, Jessica and Drew for me. Without your help I would not know what to do or who to turn to. You are more to us than just a lawyer. Your are a friend someone who is always there for us.

Thank you,

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Dear Rob,

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have been doing for me. It's comforting to know I've got you on my side. You're the BEST!!

Thanks again,

PS I really can't thank you enough.

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Rob,

Thank you so very much for all you have done and are still doing. Thank you for being such a great attorney in our time of need. You made a difficult situation endurable.

Sincerely,

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Dear Rob,

Sincerely,
A.W.

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Attorney Rob was the attorney I hired to defend me for a DUI arrest I experienced in 2007. It took place in a TN county that is notorious for refusing to plead down DUI's to lesser charges under any circumstances, and for insisting on nothing less than at least the minimum sentencing requirements for this offense. (Williamson) Upon the very first viewing of my "arrest tape" that we were finally allowed to see - along with the arresting officer, Rob was able to spot the officer giving me a bad command, starting me out on the wrong foot. Rob, himself, has been through field sobriety courses, has achieved certification, and knows the correct procedures the officers should follow. When he pointed this out to him, the officer was evidently rattled enough to realize that he had even more to lose than just the case if it went to trial. This one factor influenced heavily the outcome of my case. Rob was able to help me plead to a lesser charge of reckless driving, with no jail time, and 6 months of probation. I thoroughly believe that if Rob had not brought this to the attention of the officer during our viewing of the tape, we might have had to go through an even more protracted period of having to wait, and then go through a stressful trial. My case, otherwise, was one that most people, with untrained eyes, would view as "borderline." I did not deserve to be penalized to the degree that the county of Williamson was set on, and Rob McKinney made sure that it did not happen. I highly, unreservedly, recommend Rob McKinney to assist you in your DUI case. He is fierce and fearless when it comes to supporting his clients. July 23, 2008

Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law serves clients throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Franklin, Springhill, Fairview, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Gallatin, La Vergne, Portland, Lebanon, Mount Juliet, Ashland City, Dickson, Centerville, Goodlettsville, Smyrna, Clarksville, Davidson County, Rutherford County, Williamson County, Cheatham County, Dickson County, Hickman County, and Sumner County.

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