Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing Guidance After a Conviction in Nashville

In many Tennessee sex crime cases, a conviction means mandatory registration as a sexual offender. Sex offenders are required to comply with numerous restrictions and reporting obligations, and any registry violation may constitute a state or federal crime. Nashville sex crime attorney Bernie McEvoy understands that failure-to-register charges may arise from unintentional violations, misunderstandings, and many other circumstances. He can examine the facts surrounding an alleged registry violation and prepare a thorough defense strategy for people who have been arrested in Davidson or Williamson County for failing to register as a sex offender.

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in Tennessee

The registration and reporting requirements for sex offenders in Tennessee are set out in the Tennessee Sexual Offender and Violent Sexual Offender Registration, Verification, and Tracking Act. Pursuant to the Act, an individual convicted of a sexual offense or a violent sexual offense in Tennessee or any other state must report to their designated agency and register as a sexual offender. The appropriate registering agency will depend on where the offender lives, works, or attends school within a particular Tennessee county, and factors such as whether they are on supervised or unsupervised release. Generally, an offender is required to register within forty-eight hours of establishing or changing their residence in Tennessee, or in the event of certain other changes. The registering agency will obtain fingerprints, a current photograph, and verify the information provided by the offender in the registration form.

It is important for an offender to comply with the deadlines and reporting rules provided under the Tennessee Sexual Offender and Violent Sexual Offender Registration, Verification, and Tracking Act. In Tennessee, the failure of an offender to timely register or update records is designated as a Class E felony. The penalties are severe for violating the registry requirements. The first violation is punishable by a minimum $350 fine and a 90-day prison sentence. For a second violation, the minimum penalties increase to a $600 fine and imprisonment for 180 days. Third and subsequent convictions are punishable by a minimum fine of $1,100 and minimum one-year prison sentence. A failure to register violation may have additional consequences as well. For offenders who are currently on probation, parole, supervised release or any other alternative to prison, a violation could lead to a revocation of their release. In addition, a conviction for failing to register will appear as a felony offense on your criminal record and may result in enhanced penalties for future convictions. A knowledgeable sex crime attorney can help you determine the appropriate defense strategy for your case.

Federal Offenses for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

In some situations, the failure to register as a sex offender may be a prosecuted by the federal government. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, it is a federal crime for an individual to knowingly fail to register or update their registration. A person may be prosecuted under this statute if they are subject to sex offender registration for a federal sex crime conviction. In addition, state convicted sex offenders may also be prosecuted under this statute if the sex offender knowingly fails to register or update a registration as required, and engages in interstate travel, foreign travel, or enters, leaves, or resides on an Indian reservation.

Sex Crime Attorney for Nashville Area Residents

If you are charged for failure to register as a sex offender, defending against the allegations may help to avoid serious penalties. Nashville lawyer Bernie McEvoy works tirelessly on behalf of his clients in sex crime and failure-to-register cases. He serves residents of Nashville, Franklin, and many other cities in Davidson and Williamson Counties. Arrange a free consultation regarding sex offender registration, a sexual battery charge, or any other criminal matter by contacting the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy today. We are available online or by phone at (615) 255-9595 during daytime hours and (615) 804-8779 on evenings and weekends.