Maryland’s
law requiring sex offender registration first went into effect in 1995 and has
been amended six times. Offenders must register if they have been convicted
of certain sexual crimes. Offenders are classified by which crime they are
convicted of and the age of their victim. There are four sexual offender
classifications: Offenders, Child Sexual Offenders, Sexually Violent
Offenders, and Sexually Violent Predators. Offenders, Child Sexual Offenders
and Sexually Violent Offenders must register annually with local
authorities or the state. Sexually Violent Predators must register
every 90 days with the state. All are required to notify local
and state authorities within 7 days of any change of address. Failure
to register and failure to notify of change of address are misdemeanor
crimes. State Legislature is currently trying to make these offenses
felonies. When an offender registers, the following information is collected
every time: photograph, fingerprints, current address,
employer, phone numbers, date of birth, Social Security Number, driver’s
license number, family information, description of crime, dates of conviction
and release, dates of offense, all names and aliases, all vehicle information,
tattoos, any addictions, classification and term of registration. The
phone line for the Maryland Sex Offender
Alert Line is 1-866-559-8017 (Toll-free).
The following websites
are helpful in searching for registered sex offenders and include photographs.
