Can someone be compelled to register as a sex offender? 1 Answers as of September 26, 2011

As a general rule, I do not believe that you would have to register, but it depends on the specific facts of the case. For example, if one state says that an offender does not need to register because the offense violated in that state is not a sexual offense, then another state cannot make them register. It becomes a stickier situation where the offender no longer needs to register (i.e. the person was ordered to register for ten years and the ten years have passed). In that case, you should consult with an attorney to look at both the state in which you were an offender and the state in which you live to make sure that there is not an issue. As failure to register is a serious offense (at least in Ohio), you need to be extra careful to make sure that the sheriff and/or prosecutor in the county in which you live, work, or go to school does not have a difference of opinion as to your registration requirements.