How Does the Prosecutor Prove that I Failed to Register as a California Sex Offender?
In order to prove that you failed to register as a California sex offender pursuant to Penal Code 290(b), the prosecutor must prove the following four facts (otherwise known as “elements of the crime”): • that you were convicted of one of the California sex crimes listed under Penal Code 290, • that you resided in California, • that you knew you had a duty to register as a sex offender, and • that you willfully failed to do so.1 Let’s take a look at these elements individually to understand this offense better. Penal Code 290 sex crimes Penal Code 290(b) requires those who have been declared California sex offenders to register their identifying information with their local law enforcement agency as long as they live, work, or attend school in California.2 The reporting requirements are quite specific and may be found in our related article on California Penal Code 290(c) the Sex Offender Registration Act. The following is a list of some of the most commonly committed sex offenses that
