Richland County Sex Offender Registry

South Carolina requires individuals with a criminal record for certain unlawful sex acts to register as sex offenders with their county sheriff. After providing this initial information, the State’s tracking system imposes ongoing obligations and limits your lifestyle in many ways.

Until recently, the burden of being on the Richland County sex offender registry was long-term for most people, with few opportunities for removal. With recent changes in the law, an experienced Richland County attorney may be able to help you assess whether it is possible to get your name removed from the registry entirely.

Sex Offender Registry Requirements in Richland County

South Carolina Code Annotated §§ 23-3-430 through 23-3-480 establish the Richland County sex offender registry. The law considers anyone who commits one of the covered offenses identified in Section 23-3-430(C) a sex offender and mandates that they register with the sheriff of the county in which they reside.

An individual who has served time for their offenses must complete this registration within one business day of their release. The information they are required to provide to the sheriff includes name, home address, and up-to-date picture. Individuals who work, go to school, volunteer, or own real property in a different county must also register with the sheriff of those counties.

Registering as a sex offender in Richland County is not a one-time event. Individuals must keep the information current, and S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-460 outlines a reporting schedule of twice a year – during the month the individual was born and six months after that. Individuals sentenced for more violent or socially unacceptable acts must report in a truncated timeframe of every 90 days. Those who fail to fulfill their sex offender registry obligations or provide false information risk additional criminal charges.

Penalties for Failure to Abide by Registration Requirements

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-470, individuals who disregard the mandatory registration requirements may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Similarly, those who knowingly and willfully provide inaccurate or false information violate S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-475. If convicted on either of these charges, defendants could face significant time in jail and hefty fines. Richland County attorneys familiar with sex offender registry compliance may help those accused of skirting the requirements develop a strong defense strategy.

Time on the Registry May No Longer Be Forever

A recent case decided by the S.C. Supreme Court changed the fact that the Richland County sex offender registry was a lifetime situation for almost everyone on it. The Court determined a person’s lifetime inclusion with no ability to request a review of their circumstances unconstitutional. The justices directed the legislature to revise the law to allow for a review process, which could lead to the removal of an individual from the list.

This change opens the door to a better future for anyone able to meet the new standards adopted by State lawmakers. Those seeking such review should consider retaining Richland County counsel knowledgeable in the State’s sex offender laws.

Trust Your Future to a Capable Richland County Sex Offender Registry Lawyer

After completing the punishment handed down by the court, your inclusion on the Richland County sex offender registry can feel like a second sentence. Our attorneys who regularly deal with this area of the law may help answer questions about your current obligations, keep you in compliance, and assess if your case is worthy of a review under new laws and regulations passed by the legislature. To discuss your case in further detail, schedule a free consultation today.