Sex Offender Registration


Sex Offender Registration

It is important to understand your obligation to register as a sex offender. In Rhode Island, a sex offender who (1) fails to register, (2) fails to verify his/her address, (3) fails to notify the police of a change in address or additional residence, or (4) fails to provide accurate information could be punished by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to a $10,000 fine. R.I.G.L. § 11-37.1-10.

Sex offenders required to register must register with their local police department within 24 hours of being sentenced (if not sentenced to incarceration), released from incarceration, arrival to Rhode Island (if moving to Rhode Island from out-of-state), or their first day of work or school (if residing out-of-state and working or going to school in Rhode Island). R.I.G.L. § 11-37.1-4.

Generally, sex offenders required to register must register each year with their local police department. This duty will continue for 10 years following the completion of the offender’s sentence. Additionally, those required to register must do so once every 3 months for the first 2 years (unless the offender is found to be a “sexually violent predator” or is considered a recidivist or “aggravated crime offender”, in which case the offender will be subjected to lifetime registration). R.I.G.L. § 11-37.1-4.

Sex Offenses

The following is a list of offenses under Rhode Island law that would trigger sex offender registration requirements:

1. Assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual assault (if committed on or after July 1, 1999). R.I.G.L. § 11-5-1, 11-37-8

2. Child pornography. R.I.G.L. § 11-9-1.3

3. Enticement of children. R.I.G.L. § 11-26-1.5

4. Exploitation for immoral purposes. R.I.G.L. § 11-9-1(b) or § 11-9-1(c)

5. Failure to register or failure to verify address of a sex offender. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-1.10

6. First-degree child molestation. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-8.1

7. First-degree sexual assault. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-2

8. Indecent solicitation of a child. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-8.8

9. Kidnapping or false imprisonment of a minor. R.I.G.L. § 11-26-1.4

10. Kidnapping with intent to extort (when the victim is between 16 and 18 years old). R.I.G.L. § 11-26-2

11. Murder (if committed during a rape, sexual assault, child molestation, or an attempted rape, sexual assault or child molestation, and the offense was committed on or after July 1, 1999). R.I.G.L. § 11-23-1

12. Second-degree child molestation. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-8.3

13. Second-degree sexual assault. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-4

14. Soliciting an incompetent person (if the facts involve a violation of Title 11, Chapter 34 of the Rhode Island General Laws, “Prostitution and Lewdness,” and the victim is under 18). R.I.G.L. § 11-1-10

15. Third-degree sexual assault. R.I.G.L. § 11-37-6

16. Video voyeurism (if victim is under 18). R.I.G.L. § 11-64-2

If you have questions about your obligation to register, or are currently facing criminal charges or a probation violation hearing for your failure to register, please call Attorney Kate Godin at (401) 274-2423 to discuss your case.


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