Though you may have heard about Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania, you may not have needed to know what it entails before it impacts you. Our attorneys can explain exactly how Megan’s Law works, how long it applies to you, and what it requires of you after a conviction for a sex offense.

Megan’s Law is a federal law, though each state has its own version that also requires convicted sex offenders to register on a state registry, as well as the National Sex Offender Registry. In addition to registering your name, address, and other information with the Pennsylvania State Police, you may have to report to a Megan’s Law Registration or Verification site several times a year. Violating Megan’s Law carries additional charges, generally felony charges, so you must know how it applies to you.

Call (215) 826-3314 for a free case evaluation from the Liberty Law Team’s Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers.

What is Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania?

In addition to the federal law requiring the National Sex Offender Registry, Pennsylvania has adopted Megan’s Law, creating a state registry for sex offenders. While Megan’s Law is often associated with sexual offenses involving minors, defendants may be put on the registry if children were not involved in their crimes.

If you are on the sex offender registry in Pennsylvania, anyone can see your charges and convictions, home address, place of employment, photograph and other personal information. These registries exist so the public can stay updated on sex offenders in their area.

Not everyone convicted of a sex offense goes on the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law website or stays there indefinitely. Don’t assume going on the registry is guaranteed, and therefore accept a bad plea that requires long-term registration. Our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys may be able to negotiate a deal that lets you stay off the registry or limits your time on it.

While Megan’s Law informs the public of nearby sex offenders, anyone accessing information on the Pennsylvania State Police’s website may not use it for any reason, other than to keep themselves informed.

What Does Megan’s Law Require of Sex Offenders?

You may be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law with the Pennsylvania State Police. Let us explain what Megan’s Law requires of you so you don’t unintentionally violate it.

Reporting Intervals

How often you have to report to an approved Megan’s Law Registration or Verification site depends on your conviction and offender classification. Tier I offenders, those convicted of the least serious sexual offenses, must appear in person once a year. Tier II offenders must appear in person semiannually.

Tier III offenders must appear in person four times a year, as do Sexual Violent Delinquent Children and Sexually Violent Predators.

Updating Registration

After your initial registration and in addition to periodic reporting intervals, you must appear in person within three business days to report any of the following changes:

  • Name change
  • Change in address
  • Change in employment
  • Change in phone number, including cell phone
  • Change in ownership of a motor vehicle
  • Change in temporary lodging
  • Change in e-mail address or any digital accounts
  • Change in occupational or professional licensing

Criteria for International Travel

If you plan to travel outside of the United States, Megan’s Law requires you to appear in person at a Registration or Verification site no less than 21 days before your trip. You must provide the travel dates, as well as the date you plan to return to the United States. You must also give information on the destinations you are traveling to and your lodging.

How Long Does Megan’s Law Apply to You?

How long Megan’s Law applies to you depends on the seriousness of the offense you were convicted of. Megan’s Law doesn’t always last indefinitely, and we can clarify how long you may be subject to it.

15-Year Registration

If you are classified as a Tier I sexual offender after a conviction, you are subject to Megan’s Law registration for 15 years. Tier I sexual offenses include false imprisonment, corruption of minors, coercion or enticement, and other similar offenses.

Certain offenses committed before December 20, 2012 may only require 10 years on Pennsylvania’s sex offender registry.

25-Year Registration

Anyone classified as a Tier II sexual offender will be on the Pennsylvania State Police’s registry for 25 years. Tier II sexual offenses include statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and sexual exploitation of children, among others.

Lifetime Registration

Anyone convicted of a Tier III sexual offense is a lifetime registrant under Megan’s Law such as the following:

  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Sexual assault
  • Aggravated sexual abuse

Anyone deemed a Sexually Violent Predator and is likely to re-offend is also a lifetime sex offender registrant in Pennsylvania. A “Sexual Violent Delinquent Child” may also be subject to Megan’s Law for the rest of their life in Pennsylvania.

What if You Violate Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania?

Violating any aspect of Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania comes with consequences, all of which our experienced attorneys can explain.

Failing to register with the Pennsylvania State Police under Megan’s Law or verify your address and be photographed for the website may be a third-degree or second-degree felony, depending on how long you are subject to Megan’s Law.

Some violations of Megan’s Law are even first-degree felonies in Pennsylvania. For example, suppose your conviction subjects you to Megan’s Law for 25 years to life. In that case, providing inaccurate information when registering, failing to register, or failing to verify your address might lead to a first-degree felony charge.

Knowingly violating Megan’s Law lands some people back in jail, without harming anyone at all. To avoid these harsh consequences, let our lawyers explain what Megan’s Law entails and the potential effects of violating it.

Call Our Pennsylvania Lawyers Today

Call (215) 826-3314 for a free case review from the Liberty Law Team’s Bucks County, PA criminal defense lawyers.