Not Following SORA Rules Will Get You Into LOTS of Trouble! (Pr. 1)

Michigan law is clear – not following SORA laws will get you into lots of trouble!

Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) outlines very specific requirements for convicted sex offenders, which includes both people convicted in Michigan, or currently living in Michigan. For example, the law requires that all sex offenders in Michigan register their real address with law enforcement after conviction, but prior to sentencing.

An offender has to register at one of the specified places, which includes Michigan State Police posts located all over the state of Michigan. Once registered, a sex offender stays on the list for either 15 years, 25 years, or life, depending on the specific sex crime they were covicted of.

There are many things that would count as violations:

Once you’re on the sex offender registry, there are a lot of rules you need to follow. Not following the rules, or doing thing that are against the rules, can get you into even more trouble. Violating a SORA regulation has very harsh consequences, and must be taken seriously!

The following is a list of behaviors and activities that would count as violations of SORA requirements, under Michigan law:

    • Not registering as a sex offender
    • Not changing your address when you move or vacate a residence
    •  Not verifying your address with the state
    • Not paying the $50 one-time registration fee, and/or $50 annual fee
    • Not signing a registration, notification, or verification form
    • Not providing, or updating campus information ( if you’re attending a university)
    • Not providing or updating vehicle information
    • Not providing or updating employment information
    • Not providing name change information
    • Not reporting email address(es), social media accounts, and/or any other internet identifiers
    • Not maintaining a valid Michigan driver’s license or personal identification card
    • Living, working, or loitering within 1,000 feet of a school

It’s really important for convicted sex offenders in Michigan to follow the Sex Offender Registry law!

We understand that following SORA rules might seem inconvenient at times, but we can’t stress enough the importance of complying with the rules. Non-compliance can mean big fines and extended prison time. When you think about it, that’s far worse than obeying SORA rules! However, did you know that some people can have their names removed from the registry? That’s right – SORA registration doesn’t have to be the social death sentence everyone thinks it is.

If you or a loved one have been accused of a sex crime in Michigan, it’s critical that you hire an experienced and aggressive defense attorney right at the very start of your case. This can ensure that your rights are protected, and that if there’s any chance of reduced charges or even dismissal, our highly respected lawyers can represent your best interests! Our sex crime defense attorneys help wrongfully accused people all over the lower peninsula of Michigan. Call us at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail) right now to discuss your case with someone who can help!