Have you been accused of failing to register as a sex offender or violating the registry requirements in West Chester, PA? If so, you can face additional criminal charges and penalties. A West Chester criminal defense attorney at DiCindio Law, LLC can help.
Our legal team has over a decade of experience defending people accused of various crimes. Founding attorney Michael DiCindio is a former Chester County district attorney who knows how the other side works. He provides personalized client services and aggressive representation and will be your fiercest advocate.
To discuss your registration requirements after being charged with a sex crime or any subsequent violations, contact our law firm at (610) 430-3535 for a free consultation.
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How Can a West Chester Sex Crimes Attorney Help If You Failed To Register as a Sex Offender?
States establish sex offender registration requirements to protect the public and keep track of convicted offenders. However, Pennsylvania’s sex offender registration laws are complex. The Commonwealth takes these requirements very seriously – the slightest mistake or failure to check in when required can result in felony charges.
Whether you are unsure about your obligations or forgot to appear at a registration site when required, a West Chester criminal lawyer at DiCindio Law, LLC can help.
If you retain our legal services, you can expect us to:
- Explain your sex registry requirements under Pennsylvania law and the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
- Evaluate how you failed to comply and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges
- Negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf
- Represent you throughout the process
Even if you didn’t receive a notice regarding the violation, don’t assume you’re safe from criminal liability. Contact our criminal defense attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania as soon as possible for help setting things right.
Who Is Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Pennsylvania?
People charged with various federal or state sex crimes are required by Megan’s Law to register as sex offenders. That includes non-residents who work or go to school in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania law categorizes sexual offenses using a three-tier system. If a person is deemed a sexual offender, their registry requirements will depend on whether the crime falls under Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III.
Tier I sexual offenses include:
- Unlawful restraint
- Possession of child pornography
- Video voyeurism
- Luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure
- Trafficking individuals for sexual servitude
- Patronizing a victim of sexual servitude
Tier II sexual offenses include:
- Unlawful contact with a minor
- Sexual exploitation of children
- Producing or distributing child pornography
- Trafficking a minor for sexual servitude
- Abusive sexual contact with a child between the age of 13–18
- Promoting prostitution
- Second-degree statutory sexual assault
- Sex trafficking of children by force or coercion
Tier III sexual offenses include:
- Rape
- Kidnapping for ransom
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (IDSI)
- Incest involving minors
- Abusive sexual contact with a child under the age of 13
- First-degree statutory sexual assault
- Indecent assault of a child less than 13 years old
- Sexual abuse
The applicable tier determines the period of registration. Tier I sexual offenders must register for 15 years. Those convicted of a Tier II offense must register for 25 years, and Tier III offenders will spend the rest of their lives on the registry. People classified as sexually violent predators (or as sexually violent delinquent children) by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB) also have a lifetime registry requirement.
The tier also affects verification requirements. Tier I offenders must appear in person at an approved registration site annually, and Tier II individuals must appear semi-annually. Anyone convicted of a Tier III crime must appear quarterly.
What Types of Conduct Can Result in a Violation of Pennsylvania’s Sex Offender Registry Requirements?
In addition to failing to register when required, the following actions and inactions can expose you to penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s sex offender registry laws:
- Failure to register with the Pennsylvania State Police
- Failure to update your address or other contact information
- Providing incorrect or false information
- Failure to appear in person at a registration site as required
- Failure to verify information as required by Pennsylvania law
- Failure to be photographed
- Failure to attend court-ordered counseling sessions or outpatient treatment
- Failure to provide information regarding international travel
- Parole or probation violations
Any changes in a sex offender’s address, name, or employment status must be reported in person at a registration site within three business days.
What Are the Consequences of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in West Chester, PA?
The penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s sexual offender registry requirements depend on:
- The underlying offense and which tier it falls under
- The specific violation
- Whether the individual has violated the registry requirements before
For example, a Tier I sexual offender who fails to verify their address can be charged with a third-degree felony. That carries up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
On the other hand, a Tier III sex offender who provides inaccurate information can be charged with a first-degree felony. That can carry up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Accordingly, a violation or failure to register will result in additional criminal charges on your record, prison time, fines, and collateral consequences.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer If You’ve Been Accused of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender
If you’ve failed to register as a sex offender or haven’t met certain requirements, contact DiCindio Law, LLC for assistance. Our West Chester sex crimes lawyer will evaluate your case and determine how to protect you from additional charges.
We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation, so call today to schedule yours and learn more about creating an attorney-client relationship.