Understanding North Carolina Sex Offender Registry Requirements
If you or someone you know has been convicted of a sexual offense that requires registration on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, there are specific conditions and requirements that must be followed to avoid additional felony charges.
Personal identifying information including photograph, fingerprints, employment, online information, and details of the conviction are all some of the requirements that must be submitted to the Sheriff’s office within a few days of release.
Any change in address or employment must be submitted to the Sheriff’s office and re-registration is required every year. If you intend to move out of county or state, the Sheriff’s must be notified in a timely manner and many states have a short period of time in which you must register on the sex offenders list after a move.
Consequences of Failing to Comply
Failure to comply with any of the registration requirements can result in a Class F felony which may lead to additional jail time.
In addition to registration, those on the sex offender registry are subject to other restrictions, such as:
- How far they can live from a school or childcare center
- Limitations on employment or volunteering
- Prohibitions on places they may visit, such as libraries, malls, or amusement parks
If you are required to be on the sex offender registry but are the parent or guardian of a minor child, there may be exceptions in North Carolina that will allow you to go more places than typically allowed to other registered sex offenders.
Possible Exceptions for Parents or Guardians
If you have been required to register as a sex offender for a specific period of time and that time has expired, there is a petition that may be filed in your case to have you removed from the registry. For example, if you were sentenced to register for 10 years but have completed 12, there may be sufficient grounds to petition to have your name and information removed from the registry.
Legal Guidance Is Critical
If you or a loved one has been charged with an offense that may result in a registration on the NC Sex Offender Registry or if you are on the Sex Offender Registry and have served your time, you need an experienced attorney to guide you through the difficulties of the requirements and restrictions that you may face or have faced for many years. Please call King Law Offices at our toll free number 888-748-5464 (KING) to request a consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
