Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Requirements

November 01, 2012

Massachusetts requires most sex offenders to register on the state's sex offender registry. Since the state imposes stiff penalties for offenders who fail to comply with its strict registry requirements, it is imperative that those who have served time for sex offenses understand the law and their obligation to register.

Who Is Required to Register on Massachusetts' Sex Offender Registry?

All Level One, Two and Three sex offenders who work, live or go to post-secondary school in Massachusetts are required to register as a sex offender with the state. Level One offenders must mail in their yearly registrations to the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB), however, their information is not made available to the public.

Additionally, any sex offender who has been convicted, released, is in custody, on parole or is civilly committed for an eligible offense since August 1, 1981, must register with the state.

Level Two and Three sex offenders--those with moderate and high risks of reoffending--must register every year in person at their local police stations. Information about both levels of offenders is available to the public in some way. Information about Level Two offenders is available at police departments or through SORB, but the request for information must be made in person or through the mail.

For information on Level Three offenders, however, the public is able to access data at police stations, SORB or online, and police departments have a responsibility to distribute information about Level Three offenders' residencies to the public.

What Information Gets Recorded in Massachusetts' Sex Offender Registry?

The state's SORB tracks sex offenders' record of convictions, including adult and juvenile offenses as well as the types of sex offenses that each registrant has committed, including dates. Massachusetts also requires offenders submit identification data like height, weight and age. Offenders must also include their work, home and school addresses.

Offenders must check in yearly to verify their addresses, or every 45 days if they are homeless. Additionally, the state must be notified of any changes to an offender's work, home or school address or if they move out of state.

How Long Must Offenders Register with the State of Massachusetts?

Those with only one sexual offense conviction must register for 20 years with the state of Massachusetts, starting at the date of conviction or release from custody or supervision, whichever is later. However, those who committed offenses against children or convicted of a sexually violent offense must register for life.

Those who can prove they have not committed a sex offense since they were required to register and are no longer a danger to the public can apply to end their duty to register after ten years.

Does Massachusetts Penalize Offenders for Failing to Register?

Offenders who fail to comply with the state's sex offender registry laws are subject to tough penalties. Some typical offenses may include failing to register or verify their address and other information, failing to provide change of address information or providing false information on registry forms.

Those who violate the registry rules face a prison term of six months to five years, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Some sex offenders may be required participate in community parole supervision for life. Any subsequent violations result in a jail term of no less than five years.

Massachusetts has tough registration requirements for sex offenders, including Level One offenders who are at low risk of reoffending. Those accused of sex offenses should fully understand the state's strict registration requirements prior to trial to understand what they may face if convicted. If you or a loved one is accused of a sex crime, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney may help you avoid becoming subject to Massachusetts' strict registration requirements.

Article provided by Peter Elikann, Attorney at Law
Visit us at www.elikannlaw.com/