Michigan State Police are reminding Tier 3 registered sex offenders that October 15th is the deadline to report in person to a state police post, sheriff’s office or other local law enforcement agency in order to verify address of residence. This is a requirement for Tier 3 offenders, which includes offenders considered the most serious who must remain on the sex offender registry for life.
According to the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act, Tier 3 offenders who fail to verify their addresses during the time periods required will be penalized by up to two years incarceration. Tier 3 offenders are required to verify their address on a quarterly basis, and must do so during the first 15 days of January, April, July and October.
In addition, any time a sex offender (whether Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3) changes address, switches jobs, enrolls in a college or university, changes name or vehicle, or Internet identifiers, these changes must be reported within 72 hours (3 days) of that change. If you fail to report this information, it is considered a felony which is punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
The15-day address verification period for Tier 3 offenders began on October 1st. Those who do not comply by October 15th may be arrested under the Sex Offenders Registration Act. Law enforcement agencies do conduct address checks on a random basis to verify that sex offenders are in compliance. Even during the course of a traffic stop or any contact with law enforcement, violators may be arrested.
Tier 1 sex offenders are required to verify address only once each year, during the first 15 days of January.
Tier 2 sex offenders are required to verify address twice each year, once during the first 15 days of January, then again during the first 15 days of July.
Michigan sex crime defense attorneys know the serious and often life-changing impact being required to register as a sex offender means for those convicted of sexual offenses. Where you live, work, or even go to college can be affected; you will likely be treated with disgust by those in your community.
In many instances an experienced Michigan sex crime defense lawyer can prevent your name from being put on the PSOR, or have it removed if your name is already on the list. Consult with a capable attorney who can determine if it may be possible to keep your name off of the Public Sex Offender Registry.