Let's review how much prison time you might face if you're charged with California Penal Code 290 PC for failing to register as a sex offender. Those people who fail to register as a sex offender are typically facing many years in prison. 

One reason is that their prior conviction is often a strike. So, when they get the new offense, their sentence is typically doubled because of the previous strike offense. 

Of course, the second factor is failing to register as a sex offender is a serious crime.  The prosecutors and judges feel that minors are in danger when those convicted of sex crimes fail to register because they are trying to hide that they are out there committing additional sex crime acts.

The reality is this is not always true.  Often, people just do something stupid or forget to register, or there's confusion about why and when they should register as a sex offender.  Of course, when you go to the police station, the police are usually not very accommodating – not very nice to people with convictions for sex retained offenses.

Hire an Experienced Lawyer

To avoid prison, you first need to get to an attorney right away.  I've been handling these cases now for over 30 years.  I started out working for the district attorney's office. A superior court judge, the State Bar of California, and finally, I've been defending people like you since the early 1990's.

If we can show the prosecutors and judge that a mistake was made, for example, and that you did not intentionally fail to register as a sex offender, that certainly puts us in a solid position to keep you out of jail and maybe even win the case.

Intentional Act

This is because it has to be some sort of intentional act.  But you can't claim that you didn't know what you were supposed to do when the prosecutors can prove:

• When you were given notice of what the requirements were;
• That you signed paperwork at some point acknowledging you knew you had to register as a sex offender when you had to register, and
• You know what to do if you face problems like moving, addressing, or becoming homeless.

That's what we're talking about.  We'll have to grapple with those things when we discuss the best moves in the future regarding someone charged with failing to register as a sex offender. 

Public Safety Concerns

Remember, the prosecutors and judges are most worried about those who are not registering because they are trying to avoid giving their location to commit additional sex offenses. 

So, suppose we can put you outside that category. In that case, it puts you in a much better position to avoid custody time and maybe even a criminal conviction, depending on what evidence the prosecutors have.

For some of the weapons, we have been able to set the case for a preliminary hearing where the prosecutors will have to show that you, in fact, intentionally did not register as a sex offender or that you were negligent in that matter.  You knew what you were supposed to do.  You didn't do it for some reason or another.

So, pick up the phone now.  Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding.  We can talk about it over the phone.  We can undoubtedly meet face-to-face and set up a plan. You can retain me, and then I can start moving towards getting this matter behind you. The Hedding Law Firm has offices in Los Angeles, CA.

Related Content:

• How Can You Avoid Having to Register as a Sex Offender?
• How California Sex Offender Registration Works
• Is it Possible to Beat a Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Charge?
• California Penal Code 290 PC
• Mistakes Made for Sex Offender Registration Violations
• How California's Three-Tier System Applies to Sex Crimes