Argument to Members: Informing Members about Sex Offender Registration

To continue the topic of whether to inform members about Sex Offender Registration, once a decision has been made, a strategy must be formed regarding how to best tell the members.   While there are many ways to do this, one suggestion is that the military defense lawyer informs the members (jury) that registration is not punishment, but the fact that client (accused) must register is certain.  Themilitary defense attorney should describe minimum registration requirements of SORNA mirroring any instructions. He can also explain state registration requirements where the client intends to reside, work, or attend school - especially if the state law is more onerous than the federal minimum - and how the fact of registration will affect your life in addition to any punishment adjudged.

Sex offender registration does afford some protection to society by limiting where the accused may work or live, occupations, and the publicity associated with registration.  This in turn will provide deterrence from committing future acts as the accused knows that law enforcement authorities have so much available information to locate him. In light of the law, an extended period of confinement is unnecessary due to the effects of sex offender registration; however, if your military attorney does argue that sex offender registration affords protection for society and that an extended period of confinement is unnecessary, it can also backfire.

If you facing a sexual assault, rape or Article 120 UCMJ charge and sex offender registration is on the table, be sure your military lawyer advises you of all the issues and consequences you may face.