Rules for Registering as a Sex Offender

Almost every state has laws in place that require those convicted of felony sex crimes to register as a sex offender. While the exact crimes that warrant sex offender registration as part of a defendant’s sentence vary from state to state, you can expect to be ordered to register as a sex offender if you were convicted or pleaded guilty to a sex crime involving a minor or for a violent felony sex offense, such as forced sodomy or forcible rape.

Each state has different timelines for when a convicted sex offender must register with their local law enforcement office. In California for example, a convicted sex offender must register within 5 business days of his or her release from prison. There are also re-registration requirements an offender must abide by. In California, all sex offenders must re-register with law enforcement every year within 5 days of their birthday and/or within 5 days of changing their address or their name. Each time an offender registers they must provide law enforcement with their name, date of birth, gender, and address. This information, along with their photograph and a description of their crimes, will be made public in a database of registered sex offenders.

It’s very important for anyone ordered to register as a sex offender to register or re-register when instructed. Failure to register is a criminal offense that can result in up to three years in prison and additional fines.

A criminal defense attorney who has experience in sex crimes defense can provide you with more information about the sex offender registration laws in your state. Search our national database of attorneys to find a criminal defense lawyer near you!