Convicted Sex Offenders Must Register or Face Federal Charges

 Posted on April 09, 2020 in Sex Crimes

It is widely known that when a person is convicted of certain sex crimes, they must register on either a state or federal sex registry, or both. It is natural for people to want to avoid this registration. It can be embarrassing and make people feel ashamed, even if they were innocent of the crime and wrongly convicted. However, few people wonder what the consequences are for failing to register on a sex offender registry. A recent story involving a celebrity highlights just how serious this action could be.

Legal Troubles for Nicki Minaj’s Husband

It was in early March that Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, turned himself over to federal agents for failing to register as a sex offender after moving to California. In July, Petty had moved to California from New York to be with Minaj, but court documents state that he intentionally failed to register as a sex offender. This is a requirement outlined in the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). According to the Act, convicted sex offenders must register in each jurisdiction that they live in, reside in, or work or attend school in.

Elements of the Crime

Interstate travel is the most common reason people are charged with failing to register on SORNA. That means that, like Petty, most people facing this charge moved and failed to register once they arrived in another state. However, there is another reason a person may face this charge.

When a person has been charged with a previous sexual offense under federal law or the District of Columbia, the Code of Military Justice, tribal law, or the law of a United States territory, they can be charged with failing to register even if they never leave their state. For example, if a person is convicted of a sex offense under military law and they fail to register, they could face federal charges.

Penalties for Failing to Register

Some individuals may think that failing to register is not a serious crime, but that is not the case. This federal crime comes with serious consequences for those convicted. In addition to any state charges a person will face, they may also face up to ten years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. When individuals do not register and then commit a violent federal crime, they may also face an additional 30 years in federal prison.

Our Illinois Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer can Help with Your Charges

Although many people may think that failing to register on a sex registry is a minor offense, it is not. It is a crime that comes with serious penalties for individuals that are convicted, which is why it is so important to speak to a skilled Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel, we know how to defend against these charges so you can avoid the harsh penalties associated with them and hold onto your freedom. When you are facing federal charges, call us at 312-629-0669 to schedule a free consultation with our attorney.

Source:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/03/04/nicki-minajs-husband-arrested-failing-register-sex-offender/4956888002/