When you are required to register as a sex offender in Ohio, it is not uncommon to consider finding a way to avoid registering and live off the grid. However, if you attempt to live and work without registering as the law dictates, you will likely get arrested and face additional penalties, such as prison time or fines.
Failure to register as a sex offender doesn’t always occur because you decided to ignore your duties to try to get around the law. Registration errors also result in severe penalties.
Common examples of failure to register include:
- Not registering upon prison release
- Not renewing your registration at the proper time
- Not registering in the county in which you regularly work, attend school, or vacation for more than five days
- Not providing or updating any personal information or changes
- Not paying fees related to registration or renewal
If you fail to register, a conviction can result in imprisonment, potentially for a long period of time. Additionally, you can face charges that are harsher than the original sex crime.
For example, if you were originally convicted of a first-, second-, or third-degree felony, then you will be charged with a same-level felony as the underlying offense for failure to register. If you were originally convicted of a fourth- or fifth-degree felony, or a misdemeanor, you can be charged with a fourth-degree felony, punishable by a prison sentence between six and 18 months.
If you were on probation when you were charged with failure to register as a sex offender, it is possible that you can be sentenced to finish your original prison sentence–in addition to completing your sentence for the new offense.
Let Our Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorney Help You
Failure to register as a sex offender in Ohio can make an already terrible situation much worse. Without experienced and skilled legal counsel, you can be vulnerable to the discretion of the court. Our experienced legal team atPatituce & Associates can evaluate your case and figure out all of your legal options for the best outcome possible. Do not let an innocent mistake cost you your freedom.
For more information aboutsex crimes,contact our firm today.