Sex offence convictions carry harsh penalties, and if you have been found guilty, you will likely be required to register with the Canada sex offender registry. You will also be required to regularly update your personal information with the registry on a regular basis.

Failing to register as required can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest – not to mention new criminal charges with even harsher penalties attached.

If you have been charged with and convicted of a sex crime and have been ordered to register as a sex offender in Canada, the Alberta criminal defence lawyers at Bourdon Defence can provide answers to all of your legal questions. Our lawyers call also ensure that you are being fully compliant with all of the registry’s requirements, as well as the court’s requirements.

Reporting Obligations

If you have been found guilty and convicted of a sex offence in Canada, and you have been ordered to register as a sex offender, you must ordinarily report to a registration centre within seven (7) days after you change your primary residence. If you have been ordered to report to a registration centre designated under the National Defence Act, the time period is fifteen (15) days following your address change. There are also reporting requirements in place in the event you change your name, receive a driver’s license, or receive a passport. Finally, as a general rule, sex offenders must also report to a registration centre at any time between 11 months and one year after last reporting there.

If you are ordered to report to a registration centre, then you are required to show up in-person on the reporting dates which are established by the most recent order or obligation set forth in the Criminal Code, the National Defence Act, or the International Transfer of Offenders Act. Upon reporting, you are required to provide the following information:

  • Given name and surname
  • Birthdate
  • Gender
  • Address
  • Employer address
  • Educational institution address information
  • Current telephone number
  • Weight and height
  • Accurate description of any physical distinguishing mark
  • License plate number and other vehicle information
  • Passport information

The information intake person at a registration centre may also ask you questions about when and where you were convicted of the underlying sex offence.

Sex Offenders Outside of Canada

If you are required to register as a sex offender and you are temporarily outside of Canada on a reporting date, then you must ordinarily report to the centre no later than 7 days after returning to Canada.

Call an Alberta Criminal Defence Lawyer Today for a Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Although the penalties for Alberta sex offence convictions are harsh, the penalties for failing to register or update your information can be even harsher. The lawyers at Bourdon Defence have the knowledge and expertise to answer all of your legal questions and concerns regarding full compliance with the Alberta sex offender registry. To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with an Alberta criminal defence lawyer, please call us today at 403-474-4143 or contact us online.