What is the Difference Between Sex Offender and Predator?

The main difference between a sex offender and a sexual predator lies in the severity and frequency of their crimes. Both terms refer to individuals who have committed sexual offenses, but sexual predators are considered more dangerous due to the circumstances surrounding their crimes.

A sexual offender is a person who has been convicted of a sexually related offense, such as rape, sexual misconduct, possession of child pornography, or kidnapping of a minor. In Florida, a sexual offender is someone convicted of, or who has pled no contest or guilty to, a sex offense involving a minor. The sexual offender label remains even after serving a sentence completely and applies to anyone moving to Florida from another state where the crime is a sexual offense.

On the other hand, a sexual predator is a person who has been convicted of a first-degree felony related to sexual misconduct or has been convicted of two second-degree felonies related to sexual misconduct. A sexual predator label is also applied if the person has a civil commitment under the applicable laws. Sexual predators are considered more dangerous due to the severity of their crimes or their history of repeat offenses.

In summary, while all sexual predators are sexual offenders, not all sexual offenders are sexual predators. The key difference lies in the severity and frequency of their crimes, with sexual predators posing a higher risk to the public.

Comparative Table: Sex Offender vs Predator

The main difference between a sex offender and a sexual predator lies in the severity and frequency of their crimes. Here is a table highlighting the differences:

In Florida, a sexual offender is someone convicted of a sex crime involving a minor, such as child pornography, sexual performance by a minor, or kidnapping of a minor. On the other hand, a sexual predator is a person who has been convicted of a more severe or frequent sex crime, such as a first-degree felony sex crime or two second-degree felony sex crimes within a 10-year period. The court must issue a written order for predator status. Sexual predators are considered more dangerous due to the circumstances surrounding their crimes. Both sex offenders and sexual predators are required to register with local law enforcement, but sexual predators typically have more rigid reporting requirements that last longer.