Nashua Sex Offender Registration Lawyer

Note that New Hampshire implements a tiered system of sex offender registration, with less serious offenses categorized in Tier I and requiring a 10-year registration, and the most serious offenses, such as those involving murder, extreme violence, or repeat offenses, requiring a lifetime registration.

Specifically, the Department of Safety (NHSP) will place offenders in one of the following 3 tiers based on the offense they were convicted for:

• Tier I – most misdemeanor sexual assault convictions and indecent exposure convictions. (10 Years) – Required to register twice a year (not including changes).
• Tier II – felonious sexual assault convictions, most child pornography offenses, and intentional contribution to the delinquency of a minor. Required to register semi-annually. (LIFETIME)
• Tier III – murders, aggravated felonious sexual assault convictions, kidnapping, any offender convicted of more than 2 sexual offenses or offenses against a child, any offender civilly committed as a sexually violent predator (or otherwise required to register for an equivalent offense in another state). Required to register quarterly (LIFETIME)

Tier I offenders are required to register twice a year for 10 years. Tier II offenders are required to register semi-annually, but they will be registered sex offenders for life. Tier III offenders will also be required to register for life, and they must register on a quarterly basis.

Be aware that each state has its own database for keeping track of registered citizens, so if an offender relocates to a different state, they will be required to re-register on that state’s database and face that new state’s sex offender laws.

Who Is Required to Register as a Sex Offender?

Individuals who have been convicted of sexual assault are required to register as sex offenders under New Hampshire and federal law. Recall that in the context of the law, a sex offender is a person who is convicted of any sexual offense against an adult or a child.

Generally, an offender will be required to register for the following sex crimes:

• Aggravated felonious sexual assault
• Felonious sexual assault
• Sexual Assault
• Violation of privacy (recording devices)
• Indecent exposure (if second or subsequent offense occurs within five years)
• Kidnapping
• Criminal restraint
• False imprisonment
• Incest prostitution
• Intentional contribution to the delinquency of a minor
• Possession/distribution of child pornography (when the alleged victim is a minor)
• Capital murder
• First degree murder

Registration Requirements

Sex offender registration will require offenders to report certain personal identification information, including:

• Name and aliases
• Addresses (temporary and mailing)
• Names and address of landlord if offender resides in rental property
• Employment, volunteer work, schooling
• Professional licenses and/or certifications
• Vehicle information (year, make, model, color, license plate number)
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Photograph
• Physical description (e.g., scars, marks, tattoos)
• Telephone and cell phone numbers
• Passport information
• DNA sample and fingerprints (if not already provided)
• Photocopy of driver’s license
• Any online identifiers (emails, screen names, etc.)

Complications Arising as a Registered Sex Offender

There are significant complications that may arise due to sex offender status, and it is important to keep these in mind as you move forward after a conviction and registration.

Many consequences of registration include the following, which may affect how you carry yourself in the future:

• Restricted residency – many states prohibit sex offenders from living within a certain distance of specified places, such as parks, schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds
• Restricted employment – states may also limit where a sex offender can work, such as schools, clothing stores with changing rooms, salons or spas, positions of power like doctor or therapist roles
• Losing child custody – a former spouse can claim the offender is a danger to their child and deny them custody
• Social prejudice or stigma – family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in the public may access the sex offender registry, which may lead to a stigma against the offender and increased distance with them

The above complications will significantly impact your future of moving on, but as long as you note these, you can adapt appropriately to your new normal. Whether you have questions about how to proceed following conviction or registration or how long you will be on the registry, consult a New Hampshire attorney for legal counsel.