Most people have heard of the sex offender registry, but many people do not know the particulars. If you have questions about the registry because you are facing charges of a sex crime, we encourage you to contact Chambers Law Firm as soon as possible for a free legal consultation. In the meantime, you can get answers to general questions by reading on.
What is a Sex Offender Registry and What Is On It?
It is a list of all people convicted of sex crimes within a state. It can be searched throughout the entire country so that people know if their neighbor or potential dating partner are convicted sex offenders. The registry generally includes the name and address of the offender, as well as a description of their physical appearance (and/or a photo), along with details of their criminal history.
Who is Required to Register on the Sex Registry?
People convicted of certain sex crimes. A person who is convicted of a violent sex crime will need to register for a longer period of time and update their current address more frequently than a person convicted of a non-violent sex crime.
There are both state and federal registries, and a person may be required to register on one or both. Every state’s registries are open to the public but note that certain sex offenders may only be visible to law enforcement. State registrants are also often required to appear in person so that new photos, tattoos, etc. can be noted.
What Happens if a Person Does Not Register but They Are Required to Do So?
If a person is convicted of a sex crime that requires they register and they do not, then they can be committing a federal crime because failure to register as a sex offender is a federal offense. This also covers people who do not update their address when they move of who otherwise are not in 100% compliance. If a person is not registered correctly and commits a violent federal crime, they could have up to 30 years added to their sentence.
Which Crimes Can Result in the Requirement to Register?
It depends on the jurisdiction in which the person is convicted. In some cases, a conviction for public urination or having sexual contact in a public place could result in the requirement to register. In some states, a person can be required to register for a charge with no sexual component, such as unlawful imprisonment.
The best defense against these charges and the requirement to register is to work with an attorney who has experience with sex crimes. At Chambers Law Firm, we have handled all manner of cases and preventing the requirement for registering as a sex offender is often one of our top priorities on a case. Contact us now at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation.
