What does sorna violation mean?

What does SORNA Violation Mean?

The Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) is a federal law that requires certain individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes to register their personal information with the National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR). A SORNA violation occurs when a registered sex offender fails to comply with the registration requirements, including updating their registration information or failing to re-register at the required intervals.

What is SORNA?

SORNA was enacted in 2006 to improve the reporting and tracking of sex offenders nationwide. The law mandates that all 50 states and the District of Columbia have a sex offender registry that includes the following information:

• The sex offender’s name
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Home address
• Email addresses
• Internet identifiers (e.g., chat rooms, instant messaging, or other online services)
• Photographs
• DNA profile (if collected)
• The nature and date of the underlying conviction

Why is SORNA Important?

SORNA is critical to public safety and preventing sexual recidivism. By requiring sex offenders to register and updating their information regularly, SORNA helps law enforcement and the public track and locate these individuals, allowing for better monitoring and preventing further sexual offenses.

Types of SORNA Violations

There are several ways a registered sex offender can violate SORNA, including:

• Failing to register:

• Failure to register within the required time frame (usually 10 days after release from incarceration or within 10 days of moving to a new residence)
• Failing to provide complete and accurate registration information
  • Failing to update registration information:
• Failing to report changes in address, employment, or education
• Failing to update email addresses, internet identifiers, or other online presence
  • Failing to re-register:
• Failing to re-register at the required intervals (usually every 6 months or 1 year)
• Failing to provide proof of change in circumstances (e.g., address change, name change)

Consequences of SORNA Violations

A SORNA violation can have serious consequences, including:

• Criminal penalties:

• Felony charges
• Mandatory minimum sentences
• Up to life imprisonment
  • Civil penalties:
• Fines
• Restitution
  • Loss of rights:
• Right to vote
• Right to own a firearm

How is a SORNA Violation Handled?

A SORNA violation is typically handled through the following steps:

1. Detection: Law enforcement discovers a SORNA violation, usually through a review of registration records or tips from the public.
2. Investigation: Investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses to confirm the violation.
3. Arrest: The individual is arrested and charged with the SORNA violation.
4. Trial: The individual is put on trial, and if found guilty, punishments are imposed.
5. Compliance: The individual must register and update their information to comply with SORNA requirements.

Preventing SORNA Violations

To prevent SORNA violations, registered sex offenders must:

• Maintain accurate and complete registration information
• Report changes in address, employment, or education within 10 days
• Re-register at required intervals
• Maintain proof of change in circumstances

Conclusion

SORNA violations can have serious consequences for registered sex offenders, including criminal and civil penalties, and loss of rights. It is essential for sex offenders to comply with SORNA requirements to ensure public safety and prevent further sexual offenses.