SORNA / Sex Registry / Megan's Law

Our SORNA division works with those charged or convicted of sex-related offenses, along with their family and/or support system to help explain the registy, answer local, state, federal, or international questions about living and traveling as a RSO (registered sex offender), and provide guidance on sex offender probation and parole.  

Statistics - Overview

(According to a recent (Feb 2024) study by Nannostomus, a data company)

- There are more than 800,000 sex offenders registered in the U.S. 

- Texas and California have the most registered sex offenders per state

- Males make up 97% of the population of sex offenders

- 69.6% of all registered sex offenders have been "Released" from probation or parole and are only subject to the registration requirements 

Living and Traveling Within the U.S. 

The registry requirements in each state, including visiting states when you reside in another state, are confusing and complicated. 

For example, in Miami-Dade County in Florida, if you are convicted of certain crimes, and want to reside in the county, you will have to be aware of a residency restriction in Miami-Dade County. See the below text from The Lauren Book Child Safety Ordinance.

In the below example, there is the national law, SORNA and the state (Florida) law, but also local ordinances that must be taken into account.  

(You can read the full text of the law here here).

Sec. 21-281. - Sexual Offender and Sexual Predator Residence Prohibition; Penalties.

(a) It is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a violation of Section 794.011 (sexual battery), 800.04 (lewd and lascivious acts on/in presence of persons under age 16), 827.071 (sexual performance by a child), 847.0135(5) (sexual acts transmitted over computer) or 847.0145 (selling or buying of minors for portrayal in sexually explicit conduct), Florida Statutes, or a similar law of another jurisdiction, in which the victim or apparent victim of the offense was less than sixteen (16) years of age, to reside within 2,500 feet of any school.

(b) The 2,500-foot distance shall be measured in a straight line from the outer boundary of the real property that comprises a sexual offender's or sexual predator's residence to the nearest boundary line of the real property that comprises a school. The distance may not be measured by a pedestrian route or automobile route, but instead as the shortest straight line distance between the two points.

(c) Penalties. A person who violates section 21-281(a) herein shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment in the County jail for not more than 364 days or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Ord. No. 05-206, § 2, 11-15-05; Ord. No. 10-01, § 2, 1-21-10)

International Travel

If you have the desire to travel internationally, you will need to understand and be aware of International Megan's Law - what it means, how it impacts your travel, and your responsibilities. 

We routinely work with clients who need to understand if international travel is a possibility and what countries may prevent you from entering - and how to position yourself to have the best opportunity for a successful trip. 

Questions may arise when you are traveling as a registered sex offender (RSO) such as: 

- What are my chances of getting into a specific country? 

- What happens if my travel plans get changed? Who do I notify? 

- What should I expect when returning from International travel?

Whether you have a specific issue (i.e. international travel to a foreign county) that you need advice on, or dozens of questions and concerns, our consulting team will work with you and your family to understand your goals and objectives, build out a plan, and deliver relevant, accurate, up-to-date information.