FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q. What is required for a name to appear on the public sex offender registry (SOR)?

   A: All persons convicted of serious sex crimes, including federal, military, out-of-state convictions and certain adjudicated juveniles, must register if residing in South Dakota. Offenders have within three (3) business days of coming into any county to reside, temporarily domicile, attend school, attend postsecondary education classes or work. Registration shall be with the chief of police, if no chief of police exists, then registration is completed with the sheriff of the county.

2. Q. I recently moved into a residence and found out that a registered offender lived here before me. How can I get my address removed from the SOR?

   A: When an offender moves from an address, he/she has within three ( 3 ) business days to notify law enforcement of the change of address. If the offender fails to do so, he/she is in violation of the statute and could be charged with a Class 6 felony. You should contact your local law enforcement agency or call the Division of Criminal Investigation at (605) 773-3331 and ask for the SOR Compliance Coordinator. Your address will be removed from the SOR.

3. Q. I know an offender on the SOR who does not live at the address listed. Who should I contact with this information?

   A: You should contact the law enforcement agency where the sex offender is listed as residing or the law enforcement agency where the offender is actually living. Another option would be to call the Division of Criminal Investigation at (605) 773-3331 and ask for the SOR Compliance Coordinator.

4. Q. I noticed what might be an error in the SOR (i.e. wrong address). Who should I contact?

   A: You should contact your local law enforcement agency or the Division of Criminal Investigation. They can then ascertain if there is an error that needs correction.

5. Q. Is there a place where I can view the SOR law?

   A: Yes. You can view the entire law (SDCL 22-24B-1 through 22-24B-36) on the South Dakota Legislative Research Council's web site.

6. Q. How long does the convicted sex offender remain on the SOR?

   A: SDCL 22-24B-2.1 Sex offender registry consists of three tiers. The sex offender registry shall consist of three tiers as provided for in SDCL 22-24B-19 to 22-24B-19.2, inclusive. Placement in Tier III requires registrants to register throughout their lifetime. Placement in Tier II requires registrants to register for a minimum of twenty-five years. Placement in Tier I requires registrants to register for a minimum of ten years.