Baltimore Sex Offender Registry
All individuals convicted of certain sex-based offenses are required to register on the Baltimore sex offender registry upon returning to the community. The sex offender registry is available to the public and includes such information as your name, current photograph and address, vehicle description, and other critical information. Failing to register could result in legal penalties.
There are three tiers of offenses on the Baltimore sex offender registry and the length of time you are required to remain on the registry depends on which tier your conviction falls under. A tenacious sex crimes lawyer could answer questions about the three tiers and also explain the different circumstances under which an individual could be removed from the Baltimore sex offender registry.
Sex Offender Registry Tiers
Individuals convicted of tier one offenses are required to register in Baltimore every six months in person for 15 years. Tier one offenses include spying on others for sexual gratification and possession of child pornography, as well as a range of fourth-degree sex offenses.
Individuals convicted of tier two offenses are required to register in Baltimore every six months in person for 25 years. Several different types of sex-based offenses are categorized as tier two, including distributing child pornography, soliciting a minor for prostitution, human trafficking, and third-degree sex offenses.
Tier three offenses are the most serious of the three tiers. Individuals convicted of tier three offenses are required to register in Baltimore every three months in person for life. Tier three offenses include incest, kidnapping, rape, assault with the intent to rape, forcible sodomy, sexual abuse of a minor, and murder with the intent to rape, as well as many other serious offenses.
Penalties for Failing to Register
Individuals convicted of a sex offense by a court of law are legally required to register. Failing to register for the sex offender registry in Baltimore could result in penalties and criminal charges, including a potential violation of probation if applicable. There are also penalties for intentionally providing false information when registering.
The penalties for failing to register or knowingly providing inaccurate information when registering include imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both imprisonment and a fine. A sex offender lawyer could answer specific questions about the penalties for failing to register in Baltimore.
Removal from the Sex Offender Registry
Usually, the only time an individual convicted of a sexual offense can be removed from the sex offender registry in Baltimore is if registration is for a tier one or tier two offense and the required length of registration time has expired, which is 15 and 25 years for tiers one and two respectively. Removal from the Baltimore sex offender registry is also possible in the following circumstances:
- Receiving a pardon
- A conviction being overturned
- Expungement of the offense from the criminal record
- Death of the individual required to register
- Relocation to another area (registration might be required where the individual has relocated)
- If the conviction pre-dated the current registry standards and tiers
Speak to a knowledgeable attorney to learn the possibility of being removed from the sex offender registry.
Public Access
The Baltimore sex offender registry is accessible to the general public, which means anyone can view specific details about an individual on the registry. Information contained on the registry about the registered individual that is accessible to the public includes:
- Registrant’s full name and all aliases
- Photo of registrant with current age
- Registrant’s home address
- Registrant’s place of work
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate
- List of the crimes for which a registrant was convicted
Learn More About the Baltimore Sex Offender Registry Today
It is crucial that anyone required to register with the Baltimore sex offender registry follow all registration requirements, such as registering in person every few months and keeping the registered home address up to date. Failing to comply with the requirements for sex offender registration could result in legal penalties.
There are many requirements associated with the sex offender registry, and it can be confusing trying to keep track of them all. A lawyer could help ensure you are compliant with the different registry requirements. Speak with a Baltimore sex offender lawyer for assistance remaining compliant.