San Diego Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Under California Penal Code, section 290, those individuals convicted of sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders. The failure to register as a sex offender can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the original sex crime conviction and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. San Diego law enforcement actively pursues anyone who fails to register as a sex offender and will take action to ensure they are charged quickly.

If you have been charged with a failure to register as a sex offender, you may face prison time. It is important to consult an experienced defense lawyer who can actively assert your rights and work to ensure you are not penalized excessively for something that may have been an oversight, unintentional or a misunderstanding. A skilled lawyer will work to ensure you are treated fairly by the legal system.

Because of the social stigma associated with being registered as a sex offender, you may have law enforcement officers, court personnel or prosecutors whose attitudes are negative or who treat you differently than they would if you were not labeled as a sex offender. With San Diego sex crimes attorney James N. Dicks and his staff on your side, you will have someone fighting to protect your rights and your interests.

Sex Offender Registration in California

Sex offender registration is typically a lifetime commitment. In California, sex offenders are required to register their name and address within 5 working days of their release from jail or prison or upon the completion of their alternative sentence. They are also required to register every year within 5 working days of their birthday, their change of residence or their change of name. Failure to register will result in the following:

• 1st offense (where the original sex crime conviction was a misdemeanor): misdemeanor offense, with a maximum sentence of 1 year in county jail.
• 1st offense (where original sex crime conviction was a felony): felony offense, with a sentence of 16 months, 2 years or 3 years in a California state prison.
• 2nd or subsequent offenses: felony charges, with a minimum sentence of 1 year in state prison.

Have you been accused of a failure to register in San Diego or Vista, California? Contact us today!