Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in Oklahoma
In recent news, the Eastern District of the Oklahoma United States Attorney’s Office announced on January 10, 2014 that Gary J. Neel of Wagoner, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment without parole and 5 more years of supervision for failure to register and update his registration as required by the Oklahoma Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Neel had a felony conviction in New York from 1998
Oklahoma Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act
Oklahoma Sex offender registration laws have been in effect in Oklahoma since 1989, but since then, has undergone many revisions. This has led many to complain it is too difficult to keep up with the ever-changing requirements, although the Supreme Court of Oklahoma has struck down ex post facto application of new sex offender registration rules.
Latest Trends in Oklahoma Sex Offender Registration
Currently, and we do only mean currently, Oklahoma law requires offenders to register based on the “Level” assigned to them, which is determined by their offense. Level 1 offenders are “low danger” and must register annually for 15 years; Level 2 offenders are deemed a “moderate danger” and must register every 6 months for 25 years; and Level 3 offenders are considered a “serious danger” to the community and must register every 90 days for life. There are also residency restrictions preventing convicted sex offenders from living within a certain radius of places likes schools and parks, or working at or even visiting such places.
The registration laws are so complicated that convicted sex offenders benefit by having an attorney help them identify if they must register, based not only on changing laws, but also on changing court interpretations of the law. When an offender was convicted and when they first came to live in Oklahoma greatly impacts the person’s registration requirements. There may be no need for you to continue your burdensome registration, but the ramifications of not registering are harsh, as seen in the case of Gary J. Neel. Oklahoma statute provides for a penalty up to five years and a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 for failure to register. With these high stakes, you need skilled and understanding counsel to assist you.
The criminal attorneys at the Kania Law Office understand how sex offender registration requirements and the level-based classification system can help protect communities from dangerous sexual predators. However, they also know how the requirements can be confusing and unduly burdensome to those who are subject to them. Beyond the negative stigma placed on registered offenders, many of the constraints are harsh for someone that has already served their time. For example, offenders may be required to use a GPS tracking device, submit to DNA profiles, and take polygraph tests.
If you are facing criminal charges in Oklahoma for failure to register as a sex offender, or you simply need a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer to help you determine if registration is necessary, our criminal defense attorneys understand the importance of this legal issue and the impact it will have on your life. You deserve to understand you rights and requirements under Oklahoma law, and we can help you.
Call an Oklahoma Sex Offender Registration Attorney
If you wish to learn more about Oklahoma sex offender registration, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at ania Law Office today for a free consultation. One of our criminal defense lawyers will help analyze your case and discuss with you all of your legal options. If you prefer to contact us in writing, you may fill out our convenient online form so we can contact you, or call us now at (918) 743-2233. English and Spanish speaking assistants are always available to aid you at Kania Law Office.
Oklahoma Sex Offender Registration Requirements
http://www.kanialaw.com/criminal-defense-lawyers-tulsa-oklahoma/oklahoma-sex-offender-registration-requirements.htm
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