Sex crime allegations or charges of any kind in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri can alter an individual’s life. A conviction can bring about some of the harshest punishments permissible under Missouri law – possibly affecting where you can live, work, or enjoy spending your free time.
Having to register on the Missouri Sex Offender Registry is likely one of the most harrowing, humiliating, and lasting consequences. This list is available to the public, and is constantly updated. Call a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis sex crimes attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
How Does the Sex Offender Registry Work in Missouri?
According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.400, any individual convicted of committing or attempting a felony listed in Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 566 must register, as well as any of these crimes:
- Sexual abuse of a child
- Endangering a child when the endangering is sexual in nature
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- Promoting child pornography
- Possession of child pornography
- Furnishing pornographic materials to minors
- Publicly displaying explicit sexual material
- Incest
- Patronizing prostitution if the alleged prostitute is under 18 years old
- Promoting prostitution
- Sexual contact or intercourse with a resident of a nursing home or vulnerable person
While these are general examples, and you could be placed on the registry for an offense not listed here, every case is unique. A skilled, experienced, and tenacious St. Louis criminal defense attorney at Combs Waterkotte has the know-how to help you understand the registry. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to discuss the specifics of your case.
The Missouri Sex Offender Tier Categories
The Missouri Sex Offender Registry is in place to provide open information about people convicted of sex crimes. The registry is broken down into three tiers. The assigned tier level is determined by your specific offense, as well as any relevant factors like prior criminal history and the nature of the offense.
At Combs Waterkotte, we know that good people can quickly find themselves in bad situations. We don’t judge. We are here for you – to defend your rights and protect your future. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling St. Louis sex crime cases and the Missouri sex offender registry.
Tier I
Tier I consists of the least severe crimes, such as nonviolent or noncontact offenses like exposing one’s genitals. Offenders have a 15-year registration requirement and only have to report to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in person once a year, within their birth month.
Tier II
Tier II offenders have a 25-year registration requirement and have to report to the CLEO in person semiannually. These offenses typically include any nonviolent sexual crime against a minor, producing or distributing child pornography, or indecent exposure. A repeated Tier I offense may also place an individual in this grouping.
Tier III
Tier III offenders have a lifetime registration requirement and have to report to the CLEO in person every 90 days. Offenses include aggravated sexual abuse or assault, engaging in sexual acts by threat or force, and sexual acts with an unconscious or drugged person. These individuals are normally not eligible to file a petition for removal from the sex offender registry.
What is the Penalty for Not Registering as a Sex Offender in Missouri?
Under RSMo. § 589.400, an individual generally has three days to register – meaning within three days of a conviction, a release from incarceration, or moving into the state of Missouri. Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Under RSMo. § 589.425, if an individual fails to register as a sex offender they will be charged with a Class D felony. This means that the person, if convicted, could face anywhere between 4 and 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Get the Help You Need By Contacting Our Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte
Understanding the Missouri Sex Offender Registry is essential. It’s a complex system designed to monitor and track you and your whereabouts. Get the help you deserve.
Call a St. Louis sexual misconduct lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online contact form.
