Those who are convicted on sex crime charges in Louisiana face an uphill battle even after they serve time, pay fines or otherwise deal with the immediate penalties. While all those convicted of felonies carry that status with them, those convicted of sex crimes must also confirm their status by registering as a sex offender.
Recently, a Louisiana man was arrested and charged with failure to register as a sex offender. The Ascension Parish man, once a talented young athlete who played minor league baseball, was also charged with fleeing from a police officer, drug crimes, damage to property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and trespassing.
The 32-year-old man was convicted of statutory rape in 2002 and has spent years of his life behind bars in connection with that and other charges. As part of the requirements of his release, he had to register as a sex offender and keep the authorities informed of his address. Earlier this year, police said they learned that he was no longer living at the address he gave them. His most recent arrest came after police spent weeks trying to track him down.
Mr. Nash could face serious consequences. Failing to register as a sex offender is a felony charge. For a first offense of failing to register as a sex offender or to properly document his or her residence as required, a person may face a fine of up to $1,000, as well as prison time. The minimum sentence for a first offense is two years in prison, with a maximum of 10 years. Penalties increase for second and subsequent offenses.
It is important to remember that anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Qualified Louisiana attorneys can help those accused of felonies to understand the charges against them, advise them on their legal options and help them to build a defense.
Source: NOLA.com, “Former baseball player Gregory ‘Toe’ Nash arrested; charges include failure to register as a sex offender,” Diana Samuels, February 27, 2015