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When Am I Required To Register As A Sex Offender in Washington D.C.?

In 2000, the Sex Offender Registration Act passed in Washington D.C., which requires a person who is convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of a registration-required sex offense to register within the District if s/he lives, works, or attends school here.

Sex offenders will be classified as an A, B or C offender, and an offense that requires sex offender registration is:

  • A felony sexual assault
  • An offense involving sexual abuse or exploitation of minors
  • Sexual abuse of wards, patients, or clients

At Lotze Mosley, our sex crimes attorneys in Washington D.C. understand that just because you are charged with a crime that may require you to register as a sex offender, does not mean you are guilty of that crime.

What Are The Consequences of Being Listed On the Sex Offender Registry In D.C.?

If you are convicted of a sex crime that requires you to register as a sex offender in Washington D.C., the Court Services and Offender Supervisory Agency will complete the initial registration once they receive the mandate from the District of Columbia Superior Court, the Department of Corrections, or the Forensic and Mental Health Unit of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

The consequences of being listed on the sex offender registry can include, but are not limited to:

  • Registering Requirements

Not only are you required to register in Washington D.C., but if you move to a different state, you will have to register there locally, too. You will also be subject to that state’s individual laws governing sex offenders.

  • Restricted Residency Options

Most states prohibit D C sex offenders from living within a certain distance of gathering places for children such as parks, schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds.

  • Restricted Employment Options

In addition to housing restrictions, most states also limit where a sex offender can work.

  • Loss of Child Custody

No matter what your conviction was for, if registered as a sex offender, your child’s other parent can use the registration as a reason to deny custody.

  • Bias, Prejudice & Intolerance 

Friends, family members, and coworkers can view you as a threat.

  • Decreased Privacy 

Since the registry is meant to keep tabs on past offenders, privacy is extremely limited.

What If I Am Convicted of A Sex Crime, But Fail To Register?

If you are required to register as a sex offender and fail to do so, that is a crime. 

  • The first violation conviction is a misdemeanor offense
  • The second violation conviction is a felony offense

Do not jeopardize your future by facing a sex crime alone. Contact our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington, D.C. at Lotze Mosley by calling (202) 393-0535 to learn more about the criminal defense options that will focus on keeping you off this damaging list, so you can move forward with your life with confidence.

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