If you have been convicted of a sex crime and have been ordered to register as a sex offender, it is crucial that you follow the rules and do so within the timeframe you are provided. Not doing so can have very serious consequences. The following is some information you need to know if you are facing sex offender registration.

How Long Do You Have to Register?

The amount of time you are given to register as a sex offender is variable by state. You will need to ask your attorney if your deadline was not revealed to you when you were in court. Ideally, it is best to do so as soon as possible, so you do not face further consequences.

How Long Does Sex Registration Last?

Your length of time as a registered sex offender will vary by your state and will depend on the sex offense. It can last for at least a decade in some cases. Sex offender registration will require you to follow many rules, including complying with close supervision by a parole officer or other law enforcement officials.

What Happens if You Do Not Follow the Rules?

If you fail to comply with the rules of being a sex offender, or if you fail to register at all, you can face new, very harsh charges. At a minimum, your probation will be revoked, and you will have to return to jail.

You can also be charged with a felony for not following the registration rules, leading to additional time in jail in addition to your original sentence.

What Does It Mean to Not Comply?

You fail to comply with sex registration rules if you move to a new location without notifying the local law enforcement that you are a sex offender. It can also include not updating your personal information on a routine basis while you are a sex offender. This may or not be required by your registration requirement.

What if You Fail to Comply More Than Once?

If you do not comply with the registration rules on a regular basis, you will face a first-degree felony. This means you could go to jail for the rest of your life in some states as well as facing life-altering fines.

To avoid any further trouble, be sure to do all that is required of you as a registered sex offender. It is not ideal to register, but it is often better than the alternative, which is more time in jail. For more information, contact your criminal defense lawyer.