Registering as a Sex Offender: Requirements, Consequences and More

by Randy Collins on May. 12, 2012

Criminal Felony Criminal  Misdemeanor 

Summary: Registration as a lifetime sex offender is outlined in California Penal Code 290. It mandates that sex offenders who are employed, reside, or study in the State of California are required to register under this list.

Registration as a lifetime sex offender is outlined in California  Penal Code 290. It mandates that sex offenders who are employed, reside,  or study in the State of California are required to register under this list.

Which crimes require registration as a sex offender? Here are a few:

Rape – having sexual intercourse with someone against their will. Even spousal rape requires a registration as a sex offender.

Sexual battery – touching someone against their will. In most cases, this contact is considered as a sexual advance by the victim.

Indecent exposure – showing private parts deliberately in a public place

Child porn – possessing, selling or distributing pornographic material involving children

Lewd acts with a minor –  committing sexual acts with someone under the age of eighteen years old

Oral copulation – an example being sodomy

There are more sexual offenses included in the law.

How soon will sex offenders have to register in the State of California?

Within five short days of sentencing, release from imprisonment or institutionalization. This record has to be updated annually with immediate notifications supplied in the event of an address change or new employment.

There are many other provisions in the law, but this article covers the basics with respect to the State of California. In addition, the general public has access to this information via the Megan’s Law website in California, which provides full disclosure to residents about sex offenders in their vicinity.

Registering as a sex offender can have many dire consequences in an offender’s life. If you were falsely accused of a sexual offense, it’s essential to hire an expert lawyer in the field of sexual assault cases to prove your innocence.

In addition, if you were convicted of a sexual offense, and have complied with all mandates of the court, after some time has passed, you may become eligible for an expungement of your record. This however depends on the type of crime you have a prior conviction for. Regardless, a defense lawyer can look into this, to deem whether or not you can apply for an expungement.

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