Understanding Sex Offender Registration Requirements

 Posted on August 31, 2018 in Sex Crimes

If you are convicted of a sex offense, you will likely have to register as a sex offender. Typically, on must remain registered for a minimum of ten years. Some convictions carry a lifetime registration requirement.

As a sex offender, you are prohibited from living or being present at certain locations, like in the vicinity of school and parks, and you must continually update your personal information as it changes. These requirements can become taxing over time. Failure to adhere to sex offender registration rules can result in additional charges and sentences.

Registration Requirements

A convicted sex offender must update their registration in each jurisdiction that they:

• Reside;
• Are employed; or
• Attend school.

A sex offender is required to update his or her information within three days from when it changes. Registration is done with the police of the jurisdiction in which the offender needs to register.

Registration requires that the sex offender provide detailed information on themselves including:

• A current photo;
• Current home address and home number;
• Current work address and phone number;
• Current phone numbers;
• Schools attended;
• Email addresses and usernames for accounts that the registrant uses for online communication;
• License plate numbers;
• Details on the sex offense conviction; and
• Distinguishing marks of the registrant.

Another important detail to keep in mind is how often you must appear in person for verification. For most sex offenses, registrants are required to go one time per year. However, if the offender has been classified by the court as sexually dangerous or sexually violent, he or she will be required to verify in person every 90 days.

Offenders who violate registration requirements must also verify every 90 days.

Call a Chicago, IL Federal Sex Offense Attorney

If you are facing the possibility of sex offender registration, you should contact an attorney. Sex offender registration is an onerous requirement, and you should seek to avoid it where possible.

This can be done a number of ways including working out a plea deal where the accused pleads to a crime that does not come with sex offender registration. In the event that you must register as a sex offender, a lawyer can advise you on the steps you need to take in order to remain in good standing.

Our hardworking Chicago, IL federal sex offense lawyer at the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney seeks to provide defense representation that protects your rights and makes your best case in court. Call our firm at 312-629-0669.

Sources:

https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/sex-offender-registration-and-notification-act-sorna

https://www.smart.gov/pdfs/sorna/Illinois-hny.pdf