THE NORTH CAROLINA
SEX OFFENDER & PUBLIC
PROTECTION
REGISTRATION PROGRAMS
This publication is only represented to be current as of the revision date on this cover page.
Material in this publication
may
have been altered, added, or deleted since the revision date.
Information contained in this publication should not be relied upon as legal advice in a
particular scenario. This information is designed as a reference guide only
ROY COOPER
ATTORNEY GENERAL
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
LAW ENFORCEMENT LIAISON SECTION
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2014
www.ncdoj.gov
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INTRODUCTION AND
OVERVIEW
Introduction to the Registration Programs
Under North Carolina law, certain persons who have been convicted of a sex offense or
an offense against a minor are required to establish and maintain registration in compliance with
the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Programs. The Registration
Programs are governed by Chapter 14, Article 27A of the North Carolina General Statutes.
This publication is designed to serve three main purposes:
(1)
to educate certain offenders on their obligations under the Registration Programs;
(2)
to educate the general public about the Registration Programs and the availability
of information on the public registry; and
(3)
to provide a reference to sheriffs’ offices, other law enforcement agencies, and
prosecutors across the State in their efforts to ensure compliance with the
Registration Programs.
The publication should not be relied upon as an authoritative statement or interpretation of the
law or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with the relevant statutes and case law.
Questions regarding the publication can be directed to the Law Enforcement Liaison Section of
the Attorney General’s Office at (919) 716-6725.
Overview of the Registration Programs and Contents of this Publication
Chapter 1: Registration of Adult Offenders: Certain Juvenile Offenders (Art. 27A. Parts 2 & 3)
All adult offenders who are required to register are governed by
Part 2 of Article 27A of
the North Carolina General Statutes. Any such offender who is (a) convicted of an aggravated
offense, (b) convicted of a repeat offense, or (c) determined by a court to be a sexually violent
predator is also governed by Part 3 of Article 27A. Certain juvenile offenders are treated as adult
offenders under Part 2 and, if applicable, Part 3. The registration requirements for Part 2 and
Part 3 offenders, to include non-resident students and nonresident workers, are discussed in
Chapter 1.
Chapter 2: Registration of Delinquent Juvenile Offenders (Art. 27A. Part 4)
Certain juveniles who are adjudicated delinquent for various sex offenses in North
Carolina may be subject to registration under Part 4 of Article 27A. The registration
requirements for juvenile offenders are discussed in Chapter 2.
Chapter 3: Restrictions on Offenders: Duties of the General Public
Several statutes located in Article 27A (and elsewhere) restrict the activities of any
offender who is subject to registration. A few related statutes apply to the general public. These
restrictions are discussed in Chapter 3.
Chapter 4: Public Access to Information: Cooperation Among Government Agencies and Other
Entities
Information collected through the Registration Programs is disseminated and used in
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various ways. These matters are discussed in Chapter 4.
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Chapter 5: Termination or Discontinuation of Registration Requirement
The processes for termination or discontinuation of a requirement to register under
Article 27A are discussed in Chapter 5.
Chapter 6: Satellite-Based Sex Offender Monitoring Program (Art. 27A, Part 5)
Certain offenders may be made subject by court order to enroll in the sex offender
monitoring program established in Part 5 of Article 27A. This program is discussed briefly in
Chapter 6. <Page 24>
Appendices: Tables, Forms, Statutes, and Other References
Appendix 1: Effective Dates for Reportable Convictions
Page 25
Appendix 2: Duties to Report Updates to Registration Information
Page 31
Appendix 3: Criminal Penalties Associated with Registration Programs Page 33
Appendix 4: Federal Tier Levels and Minimum Registration Periods
Page 36
Appendix 5: Registration Programs – Statute Index
Page 38
Appendix 6: Forms Published by the AOC
Page 40
Frequently Asked Questions
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