Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

The failure to register as a sex offender is a serious crime. If you have recently been arrested for this offense, you need to take swift action to reduce your risk of spending years in prison. A criminal defense attorney from the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, in Columbus, can assist you with your defense.

The attorneys at James D. Owen, LLC have a track record of winning seemingly-unwinnable cases. Give us a call today at (614) 547-5757 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

How Our Columbus Sex Crimes Attorneys Can Help You with Your Legal Battle

The lawyers at the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, are always ready to fight for our friends and neighbors in Columbus when they are accused of committing a crime. When you ask us to defend you against your failure to register charge, we will:

Walk You Through Your Legal Options

Being charged with failing to register as a sex offender can be quite shocking. As you worry about whether your arrest is likely to lead to you being sent back to prison, you might not have the motivation or time to figure out your legal options.

Fortunately, when you work with the attorneys at James D. Owen, LLC, you won’t need to spend time figuring out defense plans. Our skilled lawyers have been handling cases like yours for years, and we know the best ways to approach them. When you hire us, the first thing we will do is sit down and walk you through your legal options.

Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney on Your Behalf

As your case moves forward, the prosecuting attorney may offer you a plea bargain deal. Unfortunately, the penalties outlined in their first proposal are likely to be quite harsh. To convince them to offer more lenient terms, a period of negotiation may be needed.

The lawyers at James D. Owen, LLC, have been negotiating plea bargain deals for sex crimes clients for many years. During that time, we have learned many of the best tactics and techniques to use to persuade prosecutors to be a little more lenient. With our team on your side, you can be confident that you will be well represented at the negotiating table.

Represent You in Court

If you do not wish to accept a plea bargain deal, or the prosecuting attorney does not offer a fair one, your case is all but certain to end up in court. There, a judge and jury will hear arguments from both sides before making a ruling on your guilt.

Given the impact your trial is likely to have on the remainder of your life, you would be wise to have an experienced lawyer represent you throughout. Fortunately, when you work with James D. Owen, LLC, “experience” is exactly what you will get. Our attorneys have been arguing in courtrooms throughout the United States for years – and are more than ready to stand up for you.

Ensure That You Are Registered Correctly Moving Forward

Dealing with a failure to register charge can be a time-consuming and complex process. When your case reaches its conclusion, you will undoubtedly be keen to avoid going through it again.

The lawyers at the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, have an in-depth understanding of Ohio’s sex offender registration rules. When you hire us, we will be happy to explain them to you and work with you to ensure that you are fully compliant moving forward.

Would you like to have a defense attorney from James D. Owen, LLC, help you fight back against your failure to register charge? Then please do not hesitate to give us a call and set up a free consultation at our law office in Columbus.

Understanding Ohio Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Like every other jurisdiction in the nation, the state of Ohio requires sex offenders to register with law enforcement officials on a regular basis. This law stems from the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (Adam Walsh Act).

The length of time that offenders must register for depends almost entirely on the tier they are placed in when they are convicted of a sex crime. Ohio’s tier system operates as follows:

Tier I

Convicted sex offenders who are placed in Tier I are required to register once a year for a total of 15 years. A brief list of offenses which can land someone in this tier would include:

• Voyeurism
• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
• Sexual imposition

Tier I offenders do not have to notify their neighbors of their status.

Tier II

Offenders who end up in Tier II must register with law enforcement officials every 180 days for a total of 25 years. The following sexual offenses can land an individual in this tier:

• Compelling prostitution
• Production of child pornography
• Sexually motivated kidnapping

Tier II offenders do not have to let their neighbors know about their registration status, either.

Tier III

Tier III offenders must register with law enforcement every 90 days for the remainder of their lives. This tier is reserved for people who commit the most severe sex offenses, like:

• Sexual battery
• Rape
• Sexually motivated murder

Offenders in this tier must tell their neighbors about their status.

Have you been convicted of a sex offense in the state of Ohio? Then please do not hesitate to reach out to the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, in Columbus. We will be more than happy to provide you with a detailed overview of your registration requirements.

Common Reasons for Failing to Comply with Ohio’s Registration Requirements

People often think that convicts who fail to register as sex offenders upon their release from prison do so for malicious reasons. In reality, however, most compliance issues are caused by misunderstandings or mistakes.

A brief list of some of the most common reasons why some people fail to register as sex offenders would include:

• Believing that they would be automatically registered when they got out of prison
• Forgetting to re-register when they move to a new county
• Forgetting to keep their appointment with law enforcement
• Forgetting to update their employment information after changing jobs

Have you been accused of failing to register or update your details? If so, please contact the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, as soon as possible. We may be able to help you get your charge dismissed or reduced.

Penalties for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in Ohio

According to 18 U.S.C. § 2250, anyone who fails to comply with their sex offender registration requirements can be charged with failing to register. These actions are also illegal under Ohio state law.

The specific penalties faced by people who are convicted of failing to register depends on whether or not they are first-time offenders:

Criminal Punishments for Failing to Register for the First Time

Almost everybody who is convicted of failing to register as a sexual offender is sent back to prison – even if it is their first time. People who were originally found guilty of misdemeanors or felonies of the fourth or fifth degree are generally sentenced to at least 6 months in prison. However, some offenders can face up to 18 months behind bars.

The criminal justice system is much harsher on individuals who were convicted of felonies of the first, second, or third degree. Such offenders can face a prison sentence that is in line with the felony level of their original crime. Sentences of 10 years or more are entirely possible.

Criminal Punishments for Failing to Register for the Second Time

People who are found guilty of failing to register for a second time are typically punished more severely than first-time offenders. An individual who was originally convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony of the fourth or fifth degree can be sent back to prison for anywhere between 1 and 5 years.

People who were convicted of felonies of the first, second, or third degree can once again face a prison sentence that is in line with the felony level of their original crime. However, because they are repeat offenders, courts are likely to hand down punishments that are at the top of the sentencing guidelines.

The criminal penalties for an individual’s third and subsequent failure to register conviction are identical to those for their second.

Do you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to help you fight to avoid the negative consequences of being convicted of failing to register as a sex offender? If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC in Columbus. Our legal team is always ready, willing, and able to assist.

Arrested for the Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in Columbus? Our Law Firm Can Help

Over the years, the attorneys at the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, have helped countless Columbus residents fight back against a wide range of criminal charges – from domestic violence to murder. During that time, we have achieved numerous favorable outcomes for our clients. If you would like to have us stand up and defend you against your failure to register charge, all you need to do is give us a call or contact us online.