If you were convicted of a sex offense or certain violent crime, you would be required to register as a sex offender on Virginia's sex offender registry. In addition, you may have to comply with limits as to where you can go or move and may need to report changes to law enforcement officials. You need to know when you are required to register and how to do so to avoid additional criminal penalties for violating this law.
Who Is Required to Register as a Sex Offender?
The offenses requiring registration on the Sex Offender Registry are listed in Virginia Code §9.1-902. Defendants convicted of listed violent crimes as well as sex offenses must register. If an individual was required to register in another state and moves to Virginia, visits for an extended period of time, or attends school here, they must also register as a sex offender in our commonwealth. Crimes requiring registration include:
- Rape or attempted rape
- Forcible sodomy
- Object sexual penetration
- Sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery
- Production, distribution or financing of child pornography
- Solicitation of a minor
- Possession of child pornography
- Murder
- Entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a felony
A complete list of offenses that require registration can be found on the Virginia State Police website.
How to Register on Virginia's Sex Offender Registry
If you are required to register as a sex offender, you must do so within three days of being released from prison or jail. You will need to report to the police or sheriff's department where you live. Once you provide them with your information, they will forward it to the Virginia State Police, who will add it to the state's registry. Information you must supply includes:
- Photo taken by law enforcement
- DNA sample
- Your email address or other user ID
- Fingerprints and palm prints
- Your employment information
- Registration for your vehicle, boat, and aircraft
- Proof of your residence
You are also required to re-register annually. However, you would have to register every 90 days if your conviction was for murder or a sexually violent crime. If you move, change jobs, or purchase another vehicle, you must register again within three days of the change. If you change your email address or other online user name, you must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of when you do this.
If you fail to comply with the sex offender registry requirements, you could face additional punishments and may be charged with another offense.
Do you have questions about your duty to register as a sex offender? Are you charged with violating the sex offender registry requirements or another criminal offense in Virginia? Our experienced criminal defense lawyers are here to answer your questions and mount an aggressive defense strategy for you. Call our Manassas office or fill out our convenient online form to learn more about how we can assist you.
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