Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in Ohio

The penalties imposed upon sex offenders in Ohio are different than that of other criminal offenders because convicted individuals are required to report their personal information at regularly scheduled intervals. This information includes employment, physical address, phone number, and email address. Registered sex offenders are added to a database available to the public – in some cases, the community and neighbors of the offender are also notified. If a person fails to register, they can incur additional severe penalties. In fact, the penalties for failing to properly register as a sex offender in Ohio can be equivalent to those penalties imposed for the original offense.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we have extensive experience representing individuals facing charges involving sex crimes. If you’re in trouble for failing to comply with the Ohio sex offense registration law, a Columbus sex crimes attorney from our team can help minimize the damage and avoid further consequences. Call us today at (614) 500-3836.

Common Mistakes in Complying With the Registration Law

Some of the common reasons for the lack of registration compliance include a failure to:

• Register when released from imprisonment
• Register in a new country or state when you move
• Provide all required and/or accurate information, including online profiles and usernames
• Renew your registration at the required intervals
• Register in the county in which you are vacationing for more than five days
• Register in the county in which you attend college
• Register in the county in which you work
• Update your registration with the local sheriff’s office when your personal, work, or school information has changed
• Pay the fee required upon registration or renewal

Failure to Comply with Registration Laws

If you are a sex offender, you must provide verification at regularly scheduled intervals based on the particular Tier in which you are placed. If you attempt to live and work without adhering to the registration law, you are likely to incur additional penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Failure to register is a serious offense in the state of Ohio and connects the consequences to the original offense that resulted in the registration requirement. In other words, the offense of failing to register is considered an equivalent offense to the initial conviction. For example, if your original offense was a first-degree felony, failure to register may also be considered a first-degree felony.

Consequences of Failing to Register

The consequences of failing to register can include a return to prison. It is that serious. Here are some of the specific consequences involved:

• Failure to register as a sex offender from a first-, second-, or third-degree felony conviction will incur a felony charge and the same maximum or minimum penalty resulting from the underlying conviction.
• Failure to register as a sex offender from misdemeanor or a fourth- or fifth-degree felony conviction will incur a fourth-degree felony charge resulting in anywhere from six to 18 months in prison.

The consequences of failing to register any subsequent time after your first registration may incur even additional penalties, including:

• A subsequent failure to register from a first, second, or third-degree felony conviction will result in the same degree felony conviction.
• A subsequent failure to register based on any other misdemeanor or felony conviction will result in a third-degree felony conviction carrying a punishment of one to five years of incarceration.
• Any subsequent failure to register is punishable by a mandatory three years in prison.

Failing to register may compound the time you must serve in prison. For example, if you have been on probation and then fail to register, you may be required to complete your original sentence in prison plus fulfill your sentence for the new offense.

Contact a Columbus Sex Crimes Attorney Today

It is vital that you remain in compliance with current sex offender registration requirements. If you’re unsure of your state of compliance or if you know you have failed to register, you need legal support to help rectify the situation and minimize any further negative consequences. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, a Columbus sex crimes attorney from our team can do just that for you.

Request a free confidential consultation today by calling (614) 500-3836 or simply using our online contact form.