Sex Offender Registration

Without a doubt, any California sex offender lawyer will tell you that sex crimes in the state of California are some of the most severe offenses that can be committed.  But included with the prison sentence for the sex crime conviction is the expectation that the offender will fulfill the requirements of the state’s Sex Offender Registration Act, which calls for individuals who have been convicted of certain sex crimes to register as a sex offender.

California Penal Code 290

Expressly under Section 290 of California’s Penal Code, any person who is convicted for committing certain sex crimes has to register (for the remainder of his or her life) as a sex offender with the city and/or county he or she lives or works in within five business days of coming into said city and/or county.  Moreover, if you reside in college dorms, you will also have to register as a sex offender with that particular college.

Section 290 specifically lists the crimes that call for registration, some of which are sexual battery, rape and any sex crime against a minor.  Additionally, you should know that an individual can be made to register for certain crimes that aren’t listed under the Code if the crime was sexually provoked.  Your California sex offender lawyer will also advise you that the law  requires you to re-register on a yearly basis, and in some instances, you will have to register every 90 days.  Further, registration will be required every time your name, address, or place of employment changes.

Sex Offenses in Other States

Furthermore, if you are from a different state and are a registered sex offender there, you will also have to register in the state of California if you will be working in the state on either a full- or part-time basis for a period longer than 14 days, or for a collective period that goes beyond 30 days in any given calendar year. You should note that failing to register is a crime all on its own. If you were expected to register on the basis of a misdemeanor offense, failing to register will be a misdemeanor crime and your punishment will be jail time for up to one year. If you were expected to register on the basis of a felony, failing to register will be a felony crime that will carry a punishment of up to three years in state prison. A felony conviction for failing to register under the state Code can also activate the state’s Three Strikes law (where applicable).

Having a sex offense conviction on your record has serious long-term repercussions. The best way to deal with these limitations is to avoid a conviction in the first place. If you want a knowledgeable and experienced California sex offender lawyer on your side, please call Daniel Cota at 800-351-6860 for a free consultation.