Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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People required to register as sex offenders typically must do so within a short amount of time following their sentencing or release from custody. States have different definitions for a short amount of time, but it is most often this is within three to five days.
Most jurisdictions also require offenders to re-register (or update their registration information) every year for the duration of their registration period.
Note that the length of time that a sex offender has to meet registration requirements
While in some cases registration can last for years, it may last for decades or life in others.
Sex offenders will also face sex offender registration requirements depending on whether they move or enroll in a college or university.
States have different definitions of the term “sex offender.” However, a sex offender is generally a person who commits a certain sex crime. Examples of these sex offenses include:
Note that convicted sex offenders have a general duty to complete “sex offender registration.”
“Registration” basically means that offenders have to keep their local law enforcement agency informed as to their general whereabouts. They are also obligated to provide authorities with certain identifying sex offender information.
While this identifying information often differs among states, it usually includes:
Most states say that sex offenders must register as such shortly after they are either:
States differ in their definition of “shortly.”
Note that once sexual offenders complete their initial registration, within the applicable registration period, most state registration laws say that these offenders must re-register every year.
“Re-registration” largely means that registered sex offenders must update or verify their identifying information annually with their local police department or sheriff’s office within a few days (typically three to five business days) of their birthday.
Typically, yes in most states. Most jurisdictions say that when a sex offender moves, the party must report to his/her local police department within a few days of the move.
Again, states define “a few days” differently. For example, New York law says an offender must notify law enforcement authorities no later than 10 days after moving.3
Similarly, most states say that sex offenders that enroll in a college or university must register with campus police (if the college or university has one) within a few working days of enrollment. The definition of a “few working days” will vary among states.4
Sex offenders register as such for a period of time as determined by state law.
Note that many jurisdictions have three levels when it comes to sex offender classifications. These levels are usually labeled:
Offenders are placed in a certain level based upon:
Many states say that Level 1 offenders usually have to register as sex offenders for 10 years.
Level 2 offenders usually have to register as sex offenders for 20 years, some states like New York require sex offender registration for life.
Level 3 offenders typically have lifetime registration requirements.
Note that Level 3 offenders often include sexually violent predators and offenders that have committed violent offenses.
Most states say that a person commits a separate criminal offense if he/she fails to register as a sex offender.
The crime is often charged as a felony (or sometimes a misdemeanor) and is punishable by several years in prison.6
Failure to register as a sex offender can also lead to the revocation of a person’s parole or probation.
Given these harsh penalties, people uncertain of their registration requirements should gain legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer or a law firm for help.
Note that the attorney-client relationship protects the communications with an attorney. It is unlawful for the lawyer to disclose these communications without a client’s permission.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.