What to Do When Charged with Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in Allegheny County

Being charged with failing to register as a sex offender is a serious matter in Pennsylvania. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and Megan’s Law, individuals convicted of certain offenses are required to register with law enforcement for a specific period—or even for life. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to additional criminal charges, steep penalties, and a further tarnished reputation.

If you are facing charges for failing to register as a sex offender in Allegheny County, it’s crucial to act quickly. At Frank Walker Law, we provide experienced, aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and fight these serious allegations.

Understanding Failure to Register Charges

Under Pennsylvania law, individuals convicted of sex offenses are required to adhere strictly to registration requirements. These obligations can include:

• Registering personal information, such as your address, place of employment, and vehicle information.
• Reporting any changes in your information within a specific timeframe.
• Periodically updating your registration information.

Failing to comply with any of these requirements can result in felony charges, with penalties based on the tier of your original offense.

Common Situations Leading to Charges

• Forgetting to update your address within the required timeframe.
• Not reporting employment changes.
• Missing scheduled updates to your registry information.
• Failing to report travel or residence outside Pennsylvania.

While some cases involve honest mistakes or misunderstandings of the law, the consequences remain severe.

Consequences of a Conviction for Failing to Register

If convicted of failing to register as a sex offender, you may face significant penalties, including:

1. Felony Charges

Failure to register is typically charged as a felony.

• First-Degree Felony: If your underlying offense was a Tier III offense (e.g., rape, aggravated indecent assault), you could face up to 20 years in prison.
• Second-Degree Felony: For Tier II offenses, penalties include up to 10 years in prison.
• Third-Degree Felony: For Tier I offenses, penalties can include up to 7 years in prison.

2. Extended Registration Requirements

A conviction may result in an extension of your registration period, potentially adding years—or even life—to your reporting obligations.

3. Additional Fines and Penalties

In addition to incarceration, you could face substantial fines, probation, and other restrictions.

4. Further Damage to Your Reputation

A conviction for failing to register adds another layer of stigma to an already difficult situation, further impacting your personal and professional life.

What to Do if You’re Charged

Facing charges for failing to register as a sex offender can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what to do:

1. Do Not Ignore the Charges

Failure to address these charges promptly can lead to a warrant for your arrest, escalating the situation.

2. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Do not attempt to explain or resolve the situation with law enforcement on your own. Anything you say can be used against you in court.

3. Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

The complexities of SORNA and Megan’s Law require a knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Attorney Frank Walker has extensive experience defending clients in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Allegheny County, including cases involving failure to register.

How Frank Walker Law Can Help

At Frank Walker Law, we understand the high stakes involved in failure-to-register cases and are committed to providing an aggressive defense to protect your rights. Here’s how we can help:

1. Investigating the Circumstances

We thoroughly investigate the details of your case to determine whether:

• You were properly notified of your registration requirements.
• There was a valid misunderstanding or unavoidable circumstance that caused the alleged failure.
• Law enforcement or prosecutorial errors occurred.

2. Challenging the Charges

We analyze whether the prosecution can prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there were administrative errors or procedural issues, we work to have the charges reduced or dismissed.

3. Negotiating with Prosecutors

If a dismissal is not possible, we negotiate with prosecutors to minimize penalties or explore alternative resolutions, such as probation.

4. Providing Aggressive Trial Representation

If your case goes to trial, Attorney Frank Walker will present a strong, evidence-based defense, challenging the prosecution’s case at every turn.

Why Choose Frank Walker Law?

• Deep Understanding of SORNA and Megan’s Law: We are well-versed in the nuances of Pennsylvania’s sex offender registration laws and know how to navigate these complex cases.
• Proven Track Record: Attorney Frank Walker has successfully defended clients facing serious charges in Allegheny County and beyond.
• Personalized Defense: We tailor our defense strategies to the specific facts of your case, ensuring the best possible outcome.
• Compassionate Support: We understand the stress and stigma associated with these charges and are committed to supporting you through the process.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

A charge for failing to register as a sex offender is serious, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Frank Walker Law, we are dedicated to providing the aggressive and experienced representation you need to protect your future.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and begin building a strong defense strategy.

When your freedom and reputation are on the line, trust Frank Walker Law to provide the legal expertise and support you deserve.