Similar to its California counterpart, under federal law an individual convicted of certain sex offenses by the federal government must also register under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). Such registration does not dependent on the implementation of the Act by the state in which that person is required to register. Washington is still the only state that hasn’t adopted SORNA at this time. However, failing to register by SORNA when moving to Washington may subject the offender to harsh criminal penalties, including a fine and up to 10 years in prison.
According to federal law, sexual offenders are required to register and maintain their registration in each jurisdiction where they live, work, or attend school. However, individuals must additionally register in the jurisdiction where they were convicted of a crime if they were found guilty in a location other than where they currently live. If sex offenders are not sentenced to a term of imprisonment, they have only three days to register after being released from custody. They are also required to keep their registration current by personally notifying federal authorities within three days after each time they change their name, residence, employment, or student status.
Similar to the California Penal Code 290 registration requirements, failure to register as sex offender under federal law is considered to be a “continuing offense,” meaning that an offense can be committed over a length of time. If the convicted sex offenders do not register by the end of the third day after they change their residence, they will violate SORNA, and the violation continues until they eventually register. This requirement is similar to one, for example, when a prisoner given a two-week furlough is guilty of escape if he does not appear by the end of the two weeks, and thus can be prosecuted immediately.
Regardless of whether you are required to register under federal or state laws, contact our experienced Los Angeles sex crime attorneys who will examine the circumstances of your conviction to make sure that you are entitled to the best possible resolution of your criminal matter. Our criminal defence lawyers at Wallin & Klarich have more than 30 years of expertise defending individuals who must register as sex offenders. Call us at (877) 466-5245 right away. When you call, we will be available.
