If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may find that the harshest penalty you face is not prison time or fines—it is being added to the Ohio Sex Offender Registry.
State and federal governments require convicted sex offenders to register in a public database, identifying them as potential safety risks to their communities. Failure to register in Ohio is a first degree misdemeanor, or a fifth degree felony if the sexual offense committed was a felony.
The majority of states, including Ohio, have an offense-based registry. The repercussions of sex offender registration can cause lifelong complications for you even after you have paid your debt to society. In addition to social stigma, isolation, and discrimination, you will likely suffer:. If you are facing criminal charges , you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of Steven R. News' Best Law Firms. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at to schedule your free consultation. What Is a Sex Offender Registry? Ohio law classifies sex offenders into three tiers depending on the nature of the crime: Tier I Low-risk. Tier I offenders remain on the public registry for 15 years, and must verify registration information once a year.
Tier II Moderate-risk. Tier II offenders remain on the public registry for 25 years and verify registration information every days. Tier III High-risk. Tier III offenders remain on the public registry for life, and must verify registration information every 90 days. Potential Consequences of Registering as a Sex Offender The repercussions of sex offender registration can cause lifelong complications for you even after you have paid your debt to society.
