Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Cook County Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Lawyer

Under Illinois law, if you have been convicted of a felony sex offense, you must register with the local authorities and comply fully with registration requirements. Failure to comply with Illinois sex offender registration laws could result in your arrest and incarceration. Illinois Sex Crimes Attorney David L. Freidberg represents sex offenders across the state and can advise you as to your rights and obligations under Illinois law. We will advise our clients as to the requirements for sex offender registration, mandatory deadlines, and other restrictions placed on you by the court. Failure to register as a sex offender can result in a felony charge. Do not allow your confusion or lack of understanding of the law to put you in jail. Contact our attorney team for a free consultation to assist you in your sex offender registration needs.

Your Registration Responsibilities as a Sex Offender

Sex offender registration laws in the state of Illinois are complex. These laws require that anyone convicted of a sex offense register as a sex offender. The length of time that a sex offender must register will depend on the crime. All sex offenders must additionally register with the local police department on an annual basis as required by law. Sex offenders may additionally face restrictions on where they can live. Living in the City of Chicago makes complying with sex offender registration particularly burdensome. Due to the complexities of the law, it can be easy for a sex offender to fail to properly register due to confusion. Registration mistakes can lead to serious consequences. The following is a look at some questions frequently asked by those recently convicted of a sex offense. For assistance with your individual case, contact attorney David L. Freidberg as soon as possible.

1. What crimes require sex offender registration in Illinois?

The Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act is found at 730 ILCS 150 et seq. Registration under the Act is intended to protect the public against sexual predators. It requires anyone convicted of a sex offense or attempting a sex offense to register as a sex offender. The following crimes are all considered sex offenses:

These are just some of the crimes requiring sex offender registration. Certain other crimes, including kidnapping and unlawful restraint, will require offender registration if the victim is a child and the crime involved sexual motivation.

A guilty conviction of any of the offenses listed above will require sex offender registration. Also, those found not guilty by reason of insanity of a sex offense, those adjudicated of being sexually violent or dangerous, and juveniles adjudicated delinquent for a crime that would require an adult to register may all have to register as a sex offender.

2. What does sex offender registration entail?

Sex offender registration can be an involved process. Once convicted, a sex offender will need to register annually for a period specified by the crime and will also need to update their registration upon moving. A conviction for failure to register as a sex offender can carry serious consequences.

730 ILCS 150 et seq sets out the full registration requirements for a sex offender. Individuals convicted of a sex crime will have a limited time within which they must register with the chief of police within their municipality. Registration will require:

  • A current photograph;
  • Current address;
  • Telephone number;
  • Place of employment and contact information of the employer;
  • Name of your school, if applicable;
  • Email addresses and other Internet communication names, such as chat room names;
  • A copy of your terms of parole;
  • License plate numbers for your vehicles;
  • Information about the offense, including where it occurred, the age of the offender and the age of the victim;
  • Distinguishing marks, such as scars or tattoos.

Sex offenders must be familiar with all rules and regulations so that they timely register to avoid any penalties. Those convicted of a sex crime will generally have just three days to re-register upon moving to a new address.

3. What restrictions do I face as a sex offender?

Sex offenders will have to abide by several restrictions imposed by Illinois law. Sex offenders cannot live or be within 500 feet of a school without permission from the school board or superintendent unless the sex offender is a parent with a child at the school. Parents with a sex offense conviction are permitted to attend school conferences and the like without seeking permission. And as odd as it sounds, sex offenders are not permitted to answer the door or take part in Halloween festivities.

In addition to school restrictions, sex offenders are prevented from being in a public park, which includes any park, preserve, or conservation area. Sex offenders will also be unable to use social media during their probation, parole, or supervised release period.

4. What could happen if I fail to comply with sex offender registration requirements?

There are several potential consequences if you fail to register as a sex offender. Failure to register can result in revocation of your parole or conditional release. Offenders can face Class 3 felony if they fail to register timely. In Illinois, a Class 3 felony is punishable by two to five years imprisonment. Additionally, defendants found guilty of failing to register will have their period of registration extended. Those who violate registration requirements a second time can be charged with a Class 2 felony, which is a minimum of three years in prison and a maximum of seven. For sex offenders facing long probation periods, failure to register can be devastating, resulting in years more in prison and often steep fines.

Sex offender registration in Chicago, Cook County and the rest of Illinois can be complex and confusing. It is vital that sex offenders fully understand their registration duties so they stay out of jail and can move on with their lives. Sex offenders will often need the assistance of a licensed criminal defense attorney to assist them in navigating the registration maze. If you are faced with sex crime charges or have been charged with violating registration requirements, consult with a Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Contact Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney David L. Freidberg Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are facing criminal charges, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney David L. Freidberg is here to help. We provide experienced and skilled representation that will provide you with the strongest defense possible. We understand the serious consequences you face if confronted with a felony or misdemeanor charge. Our attorney team is dedicated to fighting for your best legal outcome. Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg today at (312) 560-7100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We know that being charged with a sex offense can be daunting, that is why we are available 24/7 for your needs.

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