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Fail to Register (Sex Offender Registration Act) – PC 290

Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jan 20, 2025 | 0 Comments

Under California's Sex Offender Registration Act, Penal Code 290 (PC 290), an individual convicted of certain sex crimes must register with local law enforcement agencies. Failing to do so is a serious offense that carries significant consequences.

What is PC 290?

California statute, PC 290, criminalizes willfully failing to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement. This statute also specifies who is considered a “sex offender.” For instance, if the defendant's conviction involved child pornography, sexual abuse, child molestation, or sexual assault, they would be considered a sex offender and required to register as such under PC 290.

Once a sex offender registers with their local authorities, they have to renew their registration each year. The renewal must be done within five working days of the defendant's birthday and every time they move to a new address. Depending on what tier of the sex offender registry the defendant falls into, this registration requirement can last anywhere from ten years to life.

What Happens If You Don't Register Under PC 290?

When a defendant is accused of violating PC 290, there are four things the prosecutor must prove to punish the defendant under this law. The prosecutor must prove that the accused:

  1. Was convicted of a sex crime that required registration under PC 290,
  2. Resided in California,
  3. Had actual knowledge that they were supposed to register as a sex offender, and
  4. Willingly didn't register or purposely failed to update his registration.

If a defendant is convicted under PC 290, their penalty will depend on whether their original sex offense charge was a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor sex offenses can incur summary probation, imprisonment for up to one year in county jail, and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. But a felony sex offense may incur felony probation, imprisonment in state prison for 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

If you or someone you know has failed to register as a sex offender, you need a strong defense. The criminal defense attorneys at the Sigal Law Group can help. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.

About the Author

Vitaly Sigal

Vitaly Sigal Sigal Law Group Owner 355 S. Grand Ave, Suite 2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 620-0212 Vitaly Sigal has extensive trial experience and is not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. From straightforward to complex litigation, Mr. Sigal handles every case with the same i...

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