When someone is convicted of certain sex crimes in Cincinnati, Ohio, they are required to register as a sex offender. Ohio sex offender registration can have a significant impact on your life. It can also result in criminal charges for failing to follow the rules of the registry.
Unfortunately, these rules can be confusing. You should ensure that you fully understand what’s expected so that you avoid getting into trouble and potentially heading back to jail.
The Cincinnati sex crimes lawyers at Suhre & Associates, LLC can help you learn more about your obligations. Contact us today for a free consultation or call (513) 333-0014.
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How Can Suhre & Associates, LLC Help You Understand Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Ohio?
If you are required to register as a sex offender in Ohio, chances are that you already have a lawyer. You may have had an ongoing relationship from when you were represented in court, or maybe the relationship ended once you were convicted.
If you have questions about sex offender registration in Cincinnati, OH, it’s always a good idea to start by speaking with an Ohio criminal defense lawyer. Suhre & Associates, LLC regularly represents people charged with sex crimes. We help our clients understand the implications and obligations of sex offender registration in Ohio.
Our attorneys are available to explain your rights and the rules to ensure you are compliant. If you do end up violating Ohio law, we can represent you in subsequent proceedings to help mitigate the consequences.
Sex offender registration is very serious. It’s best to get advice from a trusted lawyer than to guess and regret it later. Contact our Cincinnati sex crimes attorneys for guidance.
What Is the Sex Offender Registry?
The Ohio Sex Offender Registry is a database of registered sex offenders. It includes information about people who are convicted of sex crimes in Ohio or those who have moved to Ohio with a conviction from somewhere else.
The registry is searchable. Anyone can search and access the information online.
The registry will generally include basic information like:
- Name
- Address
- Photo and physical descriptions
- Conviction
- Car registry and license plate information
The purpose of the registry is for law enforcement to keep track of sex offenders living in the community. It also serves as a tool for community members to know if they encounter a sex offender.
Who Must Register As a Sex Offender in Ohio?
Just because you have been convicted of a sex crime doesn’t mean that you need to register as a sex offender. Only people who have been convicted of certain sex crimes are ordered to the registry.
These crimes include offenses like:
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Kidnapping of a minor
- Compelling prostitution
- Pandering obscenity
- Stalking with sexual motivation
- Voyeurism
- Murder with sexual motivations
This is not a complete list. You should always speak with your Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer to understand if your conviction requires you to register.
What Are the Rules For Sex Offender Registration in Ohio?
If you are ordered to register as a sex offender in Ohio, there are many rules that you need to follow. These rules are dependent on your Tier classification, which is tied to the severity of your conviction.
People who are classified as Tier 3 offenders have the most obligations, while Tier 1 offenders have the least. However, even Tier 1 offenders face their fair share of rules to follow.
Tier 1 Sex Offenders
Tier 1 sex offenders register one time per year. That means that they check in with the sheriff’s department in the county where they live. They will update the sheriff with their address and verify that all other information is correct. A Tier 1 sex offender must continue to do this for 15 years.
Tier 2 Sex Offenders
Tier 2 sex offenders register every 180 days. Like Tier 1 sex offenders, they need to physically go into the sheriff’s office and update their information or ensure it is still accurate. This obligation lasts for 25 years.
Tier 3 Sex Offenders
Tier 3 sex offenders have the most onerous obligations. They must register every 90 days for the rest of their lives.
In addition to periodic verifications, all sex offenders must notify the sheriff at least 20 days before moving. Furthermore, they need to update any change of employment within three days.
Potential Consequences of Sex Offender Registration Violations in Ohio
There can be serious consequences for sex offender registration violations in Ohio. This may include:
- Being charged with failure to register, which is considered a new criminal offense
- Incurring a probation violation
Either of these consequences can include additional and significant prison time. Failure to register can carry six months to eleven years in prison, depending on your underlying charge.
Furthermore, if you fail to register on multiple occasions, the penalties are increased for each conviction.
For a probation violation, you may be ordered to serve the remainder of your original sentence or face an enhanced probationary period on top of your ongoing registration duties.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Ohio Sex Offender Registration Lawyer
If you have any questions about Ohio sex offender registration, our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys can help. Call Suhre & Associates, LLC to get advice on what you should do when ordered to register as a sex offender in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If you find yourself in violation, you should call us immediately. Considering that the penalties can be severe, you need to start building a defense to mitigate the consequences.
