Does a Sexual Assault Conviction Always Land You on the Sex Offender Registry?

The answer is “it depends.” There is legislation called SOIRA, The Sex Offender Informational Registration Act, which requires individuals who have been convicted of a few specific crimes to register on Canada’s National Sex Offender Registry.

SOIRA outlines which sex crimes require being listed on the registry. In the Criminal Code of Canada, listed under section 490.011(1) is where these specific offences may be found, including, for example, sexual assault, sexual interference, and bestiality.

So, if you are convicted of a sexual offence that is one of the crimes that SOIRA specifically states that requires listing on the registry, then that is what you have to do.

If one has to list him or herself on the registry, this listing and reporting is for a specific length of time. During that time period, one can apply for an early termination of the order for reporting personal information to the registry, which may or may not be granted. The reporting required is usually for a limited amount of time, but even after one no longer has to report, for example, changes in residence or employment, names are usually kept on the registry indefinitely.

The RCMP manages the National Sex Offender Registry and does share information from the registry with other law enforcement agencies on an as needed basis.

There is considerable inconvenience and embarrassment associated with being on the National Sex Offender Registry. For this reason alone, it is extremely important that you have an excellent criminal lawyer defending you if you are charged with a sexual offence.

If you find yourself in this predicament, charged with a sexual offence, contact Gagan Nahal for a free consultation in Vancouver at (604) 527-4769. Mr. Nahal’s law practice focuses on criminal defence law.

Gagan Nahal is a criminal defence lawyer based in Surrey, British Columbia, although he has represented clients across Canada. He works vigorously and tirelessly defending his clients.

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to Mr. Nahal, please call him directly at (604) 527-4769.