Sex Offender Registry

Tennessee Sex Offender Registry

Sex Offender Laws in Tennessee

Within the “Tennessee Sexual Offender and Violent Sexual Offender Registration, Verification and Tracking Act of 2004.”, the Tennessee General Assembly observed that it is a “compelling and necessary public interest that the public have information concerning persons convicted of sexual offenses…to allow members of the public to adequately protect themselves and their children from these persons.”

The details of this act can be found in T.C.A. § 40-39-201 et seq.

The act further states that “persons convicted of these sexual offenses have a reduced expectation of privacy because of the public’s interest in public safety.” The General Assembly concluded: “in balancing the sexual offender’s and violent sexual offender’s due process and other rights against the interests of public security, the general assembly finds that releasing information about offenders under the circumstances specified in this part will further the primary governmental interest of protecting vulnerable populations from potential harm.” Because of this act, sex offenders must now register with local law enforcement agencies or face serious consequences — including new the felony charge of “failure to register.”

While these laws are in place to protect the public, can law enforcement and legislative bodies go too far? For example, on July 1, 2006, Georgia House Bill 1059 was passed preventing sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of a school bus stop. This law effectively banned sex offenders from living essentially anywhere within Georgia. Fortunately, the provision was never enforced because school bus routes were constantly changing and a Federal Judge enjoined its enforcement. In 2010, Georgia passed a new law. What happens if a park or daycare opens nearby to where you live, or a law prevents you from taking part in church activities, or if you are homeless and have no fixed address?

These are questions that our criminal defense lawyers at Davis & Hoss, PC take very seriously.

Answering Questions About the TN Sex Offender Registry

• Your Chattanooga criminal defense attorney from Davis & Hoss, PC can address significant constitutional questions for the ever-evolving world of sex offender registries.
• With more than 35 Years of Experience and a track record that includes nearly 200 cases tried in locations around the country, our Chattanooga sex crime defense lawyers have what it takes to defend you effectively.