Registering as a Sex Offender in Denver Metro Area
Colorado law requires that convicted sex offenders must register at least every year, or even perhaps every quarter of the year depending on the crime. Anyone that was convicted or was released from prison for an unlawful sexual offense (CRS 18-3-411) such as Enticement of a Child (CRS 18-3-305), Internet Luring of a Child (CRS 18-3-306), and generally all other sex offenses against a child on or after July 1, 1991, must register as a sex offender (view a complete list of sex offenses that require registration).
This registration must be done at either the police department or sheriff's office depending on where the registrant lives. The sex offender must also register in every jurisdiction where they have a residence. There are also limitations to where a sex offender under supervision may live, and there must be a distance between their house and schools, playgrounds, and other houses where children live.
When to Register as a Sex Offender
A sex offender has five days from the date of their conviction, or when they become a permanent or temporary resident of Colorado, or of buying a new house and setting up a new or additional residence to register. If they are released from the Department of Corrections with no supervision, a sex offender must register immediately the next business day.
How Often to Register as a Sex Offender
Re-registration occurs on the sex offender's birthday every year, unless they are required to register quarterly for the rest of their life because they were convicted of sexual assault in the first and second degrees (CRS 18-3-402/3), Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405), Unlawful Sexual Contact (CRS 18-3-404), Incest and Aggravated Incest (18-6-301/2). Anyone discovered and established to be a sexually violent predator must also register quarterly. They also must re-register regardless if they legally change their name. There is a charge for registration and re-registration, although the amount does depend on which Colorado County or city the offender lives in.
Information that is Registered
When a person registers as a sex offender, they must give their name and address, any aliases they go by, automobile registration information, VIN information, email address, chat room names and instant messaging names. The public has access to the name of the offender and their address along with any aliases. A picture is usually included as well as the sex offense the person was convicted of. Not much is hidden from public view.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
It is a criminal offense if a person does not register within the required time frame or does not follow some of the other registration guidelines. Failure to register could also be considered a felony charge depending on the initial offense.
Sex offender registration guidelines change frequently and being informed of those changes is considered part of the responsibility of the offender. Failing to obey all changes may end in an arrest or imprisonment. It is very important that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience with the law relating to sex offender registration.