Georgia Sex Offender Registration: What Families of Someone in Upson County Need to Know

Under Georgia law, a

The first deadline most families face is the 72-hour registration rule. A sexual offender must register with the sheriff in the county where they'll live within 72 hours of release from prison, placement on parole, supervised release, or probation - or within 72 hours of entering Georgia. If your loved one is returning to Upson County, the clock starts the moment they're released or cross into the state.

Registration isn't a one-time event. Any time your loved one changes required registration information (other than their residence address), they must notify the sheriff within 72 hours. That window is firm - waiting until

1. Notify the last registering sheriff before the move - If your loved one is changing residence, they must give the new address information to the sheriff of the county where they last registered within 72 hours prior to moving.
2. Notify the destination county sheriff after the move - They must also give the information to the sheriff of the county they are moving to within 72 hours after the move.

Georgia requires annual renewal tied to your loved one's birthday. They must report to the sheriff's office in the county where they live within 72 hours before their birthday each year. This visit includes being photographed and fingerprinted. Treat the birthday as a standing deadline every year - not something to handle

Some registrants have an extra check-in. If your loved one is classified as a sexually dangerous predator, they must also report to the sheriff six months after their birth month to update or verify their registration information.

There's also an annual fee in some cases. If your loved one was convicted of a dangerous sexual offense on or after July 1, 2006, they must pay a $250 registration fee each year to the sheriff, due on each anniversary of their registration.

Missing these requirements carries severe consequences. Under Georgia law, failing to register, providing false information, or not responding to the sheriff within 72 hours of a birthday is a felony punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison. A second conviction means life imprisonment.

Multiple agencies handle registry records. The Department of Corrections and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles enter sexual offender records onto the registry. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) enters records for sexual offenders who relocate to Georgia from another state.

At the county level, the sheriff updates records after your loved one reports. Sheriffs must update all information within two working days.

Need to report an incorrect address? Contact the sheriff of the county where the offender lives.

Checklist

• ✓ Report to the county sheriff within 72 hours prior to the offender’s birthday each year to renew registration and complete the required photograph and fingerprinting.
• ✓ If the person is a sexually dangerous predator, report to the county sheriff again six months after the birth month to update or verify registration information.
• ✓ If convicted of a dangerous sexual offense on or after July 1, 2006, plan for the $250 annual registration fee paid to the sheriff of the county of residence upon each anniversary.