When does a sex offender need to report a new residence?

Today, the Oregon Court of Appeals issued two opinions to answer this question.

The cases involve two registered sex offenders who failed to report new “residences” after brief stays in jail and other locations. The defendants were convicted of failing to report new residences.

The court of appeals reversed the convictions because a “residence” is a “place where a person is settled beyond just a transient visit or sojourn.” Jail is not a residence.

These decisions explain what kind of move requires a sex offender to report a new residence.

Although these opinions help explain the requirements, anyone who is unsure whether to report a new residence should contact an attorney for private, confidential advice.