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Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

A convicted sex offender may be punished if he or she knowingly: fails to register; fails to verify registration information; fails to provide notification of a change of address, institution of higher learning, or place of employment; or provides false information. In order to convict a defendant of failing to register as a sex offender, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  1. The defendant lives, works, or is enrolled as a student in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
  2. The defendant was convicted of a crime that requires registration or has been determined to be a sexually dangerous person. Sex crimes that require registration include but are not limited to: indecent assault and battery, rape, aggravated rape, forcible rape of a child, assault with intent to commit rape, possession, dissemination or production of child pornography, enticing away a person for prostitution or sexual intercourse, drugging a person for sexual intercourse, unnatural and lascivious acts with a child under 16, and disseminating to a minor matter harmful to a minor.
  3. The defendant knew that he or she was required to register, verify information, provide notice of change of place of employment, address, or institution of higher learning. This knowledge element involves a conscious intent, design or plan; and
  4. The defendant did not do so.
Punishment

Potential punishments for these violations include: at least 6 months and up to 2 ½ years in a house of correction or up to 5 years in the state prison or a fine of up to $1,000, or both; community parole supervision for life (for all Levels 2 and 3 offenders and certain Level 1 or unclassified offenders); and at least 5 years in the state prison for a second or subsequent conviction.

What If My Sex Crime Conviction Preceded My Obligation to Register as a Sex Offender?

Regardless of when you were convicted of a sex crime, with limited exception Massachusetts requires registration. In 2003 it was determined that laws like this one are not ex post facto laws. The rationale was that sex offender registration is a civil law, not punishment. The 5-4 decision has been adopted by a majority of states, Massachusetts included.

I Have Been Registering in My Town Every Year but Not When I Change Jobs. Will I Get Charged with a Crime?

This question comes up all the time. Many people are not familiar with the particularity of the Massachusetts sex offender laws. They incorrectly assume that if they register annually in the town where they live they will be in compliance. In fact, you must also register every time you get a new job. We just defended one of these cases. The defendant had registered over fifteen times since he was required to do so, starting in 2003. However, he forgot to register when he switched jobs. A police officer from the town he lived in went to his workplace, saw him and took out a complaint. We were able to win the case but he was charged nevertheless. The district attorney wanted him to serve one year and be placed on lifetime community parole.

Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer: 617-263-6800

If you have been charged with failing to register as a sex offender, it is wise to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Stephen Neyman is a Massachusetts defense lawyer with decades of experience. As one of the leading defense attorneys in the state, Attorney Neyman offers his clients the best chances of success. If you would like to speak with aggressive and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, call the Law Offices of Stephen Neyman, P.C. at 617-263-6800 or contact us online. You can reach the office day or night, seven days a week.

Case Results » Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
  • Charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender to be Dismissed

    Cambridge District Court: The prosecution alleged that on April 3, 2012 a Belmont Police Officer was conducting an audit of sex offender registration in that town. He learned that the defendant's registration had expired four days earlier and that he had not registered with another city or town. The officer followed up with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board and learned the same to be reflected with their records. The defendant had a criminal record that exceeded the predicate sex offense. It included Assaults and Drug cases. Today, Attorney Neyman was able to get the case continued without a finding. If the defendant remains free from criminal problems during the probationary period the case will be dismissed.

  • Charges of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender Against Local Chef to be Dismissed

    Dedham District Court: Our client is a well-know local chef. Many years ago, as a juvenile he was convicted of various Sex Crimes and subsequently ordered under the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) guidelines to register as a sex offender. He failed to do so and was charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a felony in Massachusetts. He hired Attorney Stephen Neyman to represent him. Earlier today the case was continued without a finding. Provided the defendant remain compliant with his registration requirements and obey all laws the case will be dismissed.

Client Reviews
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"We went to trial and won. He saved me fifteen years mandatory in state prison for this case." A.C. Boston, Massachusetts
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"I hired him and he got the case dismissed before I had to go into a courtroom. My school never found out and if they had I would have lost my academic scholarships. He really saved my college career." Melissa C. Cold Spring, New York, October 2013
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"My union rep told me to call Steve Neyman. From the get go I felt comfortable with him. He took the time to talk to me about my case whenever I needed .... He even gave me his personal cell number and took all my calls. We won the case and I kept my job." Bart L. S.
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"The best criminal defense lawyer in Massachusetts. Takes all of his client's calls at any time of the day or night. He was always there for me and my family. Steve saved my life." Jacquille D. Brockton, Massachusetts
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"In less than two months Stephen Neyman got my old conviction vacated. I now have no criminal record." Paul W. Boston, Massachusetts