Can I Move to Another State While on the Sex Offender Registry?

This article is specifically for people who have completed their sentence for the conviction that placed them on the registry. If you are still on probation or parole, additional court orders or restrictions may prevent you from leaving the state — consult an Indianapolis criminal attorney and your probation or parole officer before doing so. For more on the legal issues discussed here, see our Indiana criminal defense overview and What is Crime of Rape in Indiana? guide.

For anyone convicted of a sex offense, moving to or even visiting another state for more than a few days carries real risk. Every state maintains its own sex offender registry laws, and relocating means subjecting yourself to them. A 10-year registration requirement in Indiana does not automatically carry over elsewhere.

Consider this example: John was convicted in Indiana of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor. He was 19; the victim was 14. Under Indiana law, that conviction carries a 10-year registration requirement rather than lifetime. After serving his sentence and registering in Indiana for a few years, John decides to move to Florida for a fresh start. He does the right thing — he immediately reports to the local sheriff's office to register and stay compliant.

But John assumes Florida will honor Indiana's 10-year term. It does not. Florida looks at his Indiana conviction, evaluates the underlying facts, and determines what equivalent offense he would have committed under Florida law. That offense requires lifetime registration. John is now a lifetime registrant.

__Contact Mo AlMahareeq Law__

I always advise anyone convicted of a sex offense to avoid moving to another state if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary, you should consult with a sex crimes attorney in that state — however, you may find it difficult to get a straight answer. While you can move to another state, it is risky and may have unintended adverse lifelong consequences. If you have additional questions, give Mo a call today.

Available 24/7 at mo@moalmahareeqlaw.com or by calling (347) 889-4944.