Being charged with a sex crime in Boston can have serious consequences. Indeed, depending upon the details of the crime, a convicted person may face years in prison, a large fine, the requirement to attend mandatory counseling or education courses, and impaired opportunities, including difficulting in securing housing or employment. In addition to these consequences, a convicted sex offender has a legal requirement to register as a sex offender in the state.
Duty to Register as a Sex Offender in Massachusetts
According to Mass.gov, a person must register with the Massachusetts’ registry of sex offenders if they are a convicted sex offender and they live, work, or attend school in Massachusetts. In addition to registering with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry, a person must update their registered information if they:
- Become homeless;
- Attend school in Massachusetts, even if a permanent address is out-of-state; or
- Experience a change to their personal or contact information.
If you are a convicted sex offender who is moving to Massachusetts, you have a duty to register with the state as a sex offender within two days of your move. If you are moving out of Massachusetts, you have a 10-day window from the date of your move to notify the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board. You are also required to register as a sex offender in the state to which you relocate.
Penalties for Failure to Comply with Massachusetts’ Sex Offender Registration Law
Failing to comply with the state’s sex offender registration law can have serious consequences. If you knowingly fail to update your information, give false information, or do not register, you can face:
- Up to 2.5 years of incarceration in a house of correction; or
- Up to five years in state prison or a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
Termination of Duty to Register as a Sex Offender in Massachusetts
While all convicted sex offenders are required to register with the state as such, it is possible to petition the board for reclassification and termination of such duty. In order to do this, a person must file a motion with the Sex Offender Registration Board and must provide clear and convincing evidence that they have experienced a change in circumstances and is not likely to pose any danger to others.
Call Our Boston Criminal Defense Attorney for Legal Counsel
If you are facing charges for a sex crime in Boston, the consequences can be serious, and the requirement to register as a sex offender can have a profound and lasting effect on your reputation, opportunities, and life. Our lawyer will help you to defend yourself against charges, and will do everything possible to mitigate the harshest of sentencing. To learn more about working with Boston criminal defense lawyer Paul R. Moraski, call our law office today at 978-397-0011 or send our law office a message with your information and a description of your situation.