Facing a requirement to register as a sex offender in Loveland, Colorado can be overwhelming, confusing, and deeply stressful. Whether you’re charged with a sex crime, have already been convicted, or are concerned about your obligations, understanding the sex offender registration laws is critical to protecting your rights and your future.
At O’Malley Law Office, we regularly help clients navigate these complex laws and fight to avoid unnecessary or lifetime registration when possible. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about Colorado’s sex offender registration requirements.
1. Who Has to Register as a Sex Offender in Colorado?
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 16-22-101+), anyone convicted of certain sex offenses must register as a sex offender. This includes both adults and some juveniles.
Common offenses that require registration include:
- Sexual Assault
- Unlawful Sexual Contact
- Indecent Exposure
- Internet Luring or Exploitation of a Child
- Sexual Exploitation (possession or distribution of child pornography)
- Enticement of a Child
- Incest or Aggravated Incest
Even plea bargains to lesser charges may still trigger registration, depending on the facts of the case.
2. How Long Do I Have to Register in Fort Collins?
The length of time you must register depends on the severity of the offense, whether you were a juvenile or adult, and whether you qualify for deregistration later.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- 5 years: For lower-level offenses (e.g., misdemeanor unlawful sexual behavior)
- 10 years: For mid-level misdemeanors or felonies (e.g., sexual exploitation of a child, 1st time felony offenses, Unlawful Sexual Contact)
- Lifetime: For more serious offenses (e.g., Sexual Assault, repeat offenses)
Important: These time frames are calculated from the date you complete your sentence, including parole or probation — not from the conviction date.
3. When and Where Do I Have to Register?
You must register:
- Within 5 business days of being released from custody or moving into Colorado
- Annually on your birthday (or more frequently, depending on your case)
- Whenever you move, change jobs, enroll in school, or legally change your name
You must register in person with the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where you reside.
Failure to register correctly or on time can result in new charges, even if it was an honest mistake.
4. What Information is Collected?
When you register, you’ll be required to provide:
- Full name and any aliases
- Current address and phone number
- Employment and school information
- Vehicle information
- A current photograph
- Fingerprints and palm prints
- DNA sample (if not already collected)
This information becomes part of the Colorado Sex Offender Registry, which in some cases is available to the public online.
5. Is Sex Offender Registration Public?
It depends.
- Adult offenders convicted of certain offenses will appear on the public registry, searchable by anyone online.
- Juvenile offenders, those convicted of less serious offenses, or those granted a court order to keep the record private may not appear publicly.
Local law enforcement may also notify schools, neighbors, or community groups about higher-risk individuals.
6. Can I Be Removed from the Registry? (Deregistration)
Yes, but only if you meet certain conditions.
You may petition the court to discontinue registration (called deregistration) after a waiting period:
- 5 years: Most misdemeanor offenses
- 10 years: Some misdemeanors, Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies
- 20 years: Class 2 or 3 felonies
- Juveniles: Often eligible upon completion of sentence or supervision
To qualify, you must not have reoffended, must be in compliance, and must file a petition in court. A judge will then consider the facts of your case and public safety concerns.
Important: Lifetime registrants and sexually violent predators (SVPs) cannot petition for deregistration in most cases.
If you or someone you love has an issue with Registering as a Sex Offender, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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