State Relocation Services

Relocating to a new state is a major life event for anyone — but for individuals on sex offender registry, it involves a complex set of legal obligations, under SORNA, that vary dramatically from state to state. Miss a deadline or misunderstand your tier classification in your new state, and you could face new criminal charges. 

Smith & Good Associates provides step-by-step relocation guidance to help registered individuals move safely, legally, and without disruption to their lives or compliance standing.

Sex offender registration in the United States is governed by a patchwork of federal and state laws. While the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) establishes minimum standards, each state has its own rules regarding:

• Registration timeframes upon arrival (some states require registration within 3 days)

• Tier classifications and how they may differ from your current state

• Residency restrictions (proximity to schools, parks, daycare centers, and other locations)

• Employment and housing restrictions

• In-person reporting frequency

• Community notification procedures

What is permissible where you live now may not be permissible in your destination state. 

This is why planning ahead is essential.

In some cases an individual could be a lifetime registrant in a state such a Florida, decide to move to another state, end up getting removed from the registry (b/c in their new state they were a 10 or 15 year registrant - then move a 3rd time into a new state, and find out they are required to register yet again. 

We have helped clients, who thought they had no requirement to register in a new state because they had deferred adjudication or even had an expungement, only to find out that they will have to register if they move. 

Moving within states is an incredibly complex and confusing situation. Most states do not provide any type of pre-qualification analysis to tell you (a) if you would be required to register in their state and (b) for how long. As a result, the only way to find you your registry requirements would be when you go to a local registry office to formally notify of the move. 

Our team uses legacy knowledge, our network of SORNA partners, discussions with attorneys, and other primary and secondary research to provide you the most comprehensive analysis possible so that you and your family can make an informed decision. 

Even in cases where a conviction that included deferred judgement - such as Probation Before Judgement (in Maryland) you may still be required to register if you move to another state. 

Our relocation assistance services include:

• Destination state research— reviewing the specific registration laws, residency restrictions, and reporting requirements of the state you are moving to. Some states have local codes (county or city) that impose restrictions in addition to the state laws.

• Notification and de-registration in your current state — making sure you comply with your home state’s rules before you leave

• Registration timeline planning— mapping out exactly when and where you need to report after arrival

• Tier reclassification guidance— understanding how your offense may be reclassified under your new state’s framework. This includes things such as: 

Will you be required to register in your new state? 

Will you be required to register for a longer or shorter timeframe?

Are there additional requirements or proximity or residence restrictions in the new state?

Will you have a path for removal from the Registry after your time is completed in your new state? 

• Housing and employment pre-screening — helping you avoid locations or employers that may create compliance problems. Some states have residency or proximity restrictions, while others do not. Some states have these restrictions only for certain types of charges. Some states notify neighbors or mail notices to a neighborhood if you move in. 

• Support for your family — helping loved ones understand what to expect during the transition

If you are considering moving while on supervised or unsupervised release such as parole or probation, you will likely have additional requirements in a new state that could include additional restrictions. 

A registration violation in your new state — even an unintentional one — can result in arrest, felony charges, and a return to incarceration. Many registrants assume the process is simple or that their current state will handle the transfer automatically. It will not.

We have had clients who were off the registry in their current state, only to find out that they will be required to register in a new state if they move. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you have no duty to register in a new state because you are off the registry in another state. 

These are the types of mistakes that can open you up to “Failure to Register” charges. 

We help you enter your new state fully prepared, fully compliant, and with a clear plan in place.

Call us at 240-599-2126 or visit our contact page to book a free consultation to begin planning your relocation. 

We serve clients in Maryland and throughout the entire U.S. and help individuals relocating to or from any state, international travel planning, and understanding the Registry.