Sex Offender Registration Rules in Indiana

Being required to register as a sex offender is one of the most damaging collateral consequences of a conviction of a sex crime in Indiana. The state has some of the strictest sex offender laws in the nation. If a person violates the sex offender registration rules when they are subject to them, they can face additional penalties and restrictions on their life. Here are the basics on Indiana’s sex offender registration requirements. 

Who Is Required to Register as a Sex Offender?

Indiana Code Sections 11-8-8-4.5 and 11-8-8-5 set out the specific crimes that require a person to be registered as a sex offender. Registration can depend on specific details, such as the offender’s age, the victim’s age, the severity of the offense, and whether children were involved. Convictions of the following crimes may require registration as a sex offender or as a sex or violent offender in Indiana:

• Rape
• Child molesting
• Incest
• Child exploitation
• Child solicitation
• Child seduction
• Sexual misconduct with a minor
• Vicarious sexual gratification
• Sexual battery
• Possession of child pornography
• Promoting prostitution or sex trafficking
• Promotion of child sexual trafficking
• Promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child
• Child sexual trafficking
• Human trafficking
• Sexual misconduct by a service provider with a detained or supervised child 

Additionally, people classified as sex offenders in other jurisdictions must register as sex offenders in Indiana if they reside here, even if their conduct would not have resulted in sex offender registration here.

What Information Is Stored on the Sex Offender Registration?

Sex offenders must provide the Indiana sexual offender registry with the following information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Driver’s license number
• Physical and mailing addresses
• Vehicle and vehicle identification numbers
• A photo of themselves
• Descriptions of their sex, race, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and any visible scars, markings, or tattoos on their body

Sex offenders may also be required to provide additional information, such as usernames on social media or gaming handles, work addresses, and other information the department requires. 

How Long Is Registration?

Registration on Indiana’s sex offender list is for a minimum of ten years, but it can be as long as the offender’s lifetime.

Duties of Registered Sex Offenders

Depending on the specific crime, conditions of release, and particular circumstances, registered sex offenders may be required to:

• Report any change to their principal residence within 72 hours of the change
• Report any change to their work or education within 72 hours of the change
• Report any change to or new email addresses, instant messaging usernames, chat room usernames, or social networking handles to local law enforcement within 72 hours of the change or addition 
• Keep a valid driver’s license or state ID on their person at all times
• Provide implicit consent to have their computer or electronic device searched by law enforcement and to have monitoring hardware or software installed on their device if they intend to use electronic communications

Contact The Criminal Defense Team for Legal Assistance

Registration as a sex offender can limit your employment and education opportunities. One wrong move could send you back to jail. At The Criminal Defense Team, we focus on preventing people from being unnecessarily registered as sex offenders. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation.