Table of Contents
While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
District of Columbia Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
What information must registrants provide?
How frequently must they register? And for how long?
At least annually; the agency is not held to that; they can order more 22.4008
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4008.html
Length of term is either duration of supervision/10 years, or lifetime.
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4002.html
Does the District of Columbia categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
No
Class A (10 years) and Class B (lifetime). Class C is “excused” due to incarceration or other detention in a secure facility.
Criminal § 22–4002
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4002.html
Does the District of Columbia use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?
No
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
Yes, class C registrants, which is the lowest level.
https://mpdc.dc.gov/service/offender-classifications
Is there a registration fee?
No
Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?
Only public notification 22.4011
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4011.html
Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?
Not exactly but there is a dispute procedure. § 22-4004
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4004.html
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the District of Columbia?
Nothing found in the statutes.
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the District of Columbia to live or to attend school?
A sex offender who enters the District of Columbia from another jurisdiction to live, work, or attend school shall notify the Agency within 3 days of entering the District. §6-A406.2
https://www.dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionNumber=6-A406
District of Columbia Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
See Statute 22-4001 (8) and 22-4004 (6) and (8) for a listing and links.
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-4001.html
Does the District of Columbia have lifetime supervision?
Does the District of Columbia have indeterminate sentencing?
What are the District of Columbia civil commitment laws?
22-3808
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-3808.html
See also:
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/titles/21/chapters/5/subchapters/IV/
What is the age of consent?
Other sources say age is 16 but statutes say 18 22.3102
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-3102.html
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
Yes 22-3010.01(a)
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/22-3010.01.html
Info for District of Columbia Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
Yes. Rights restored upon release from incarceration.
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/1-1001.02.html
What does the District of Columbia say about persons who are required to register?
https://mpdc.dc.gov/service/sex-offender-registry
https://mpdc.dc.gov/service/sex-offender-registration-faq
http://sexoffender.dc.gov/
How does the District of Columbia’s legislative process work?
How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?
District of Columbia Legislation
https://dccouncil.us/legislation/
To look up and track bills:
https://lims.dccouncil.us/
Information about signing up to testify on bills:
https://dccouncil.us/how-to-testify-before-the-council/
Best keywords are:
Sex offender; sexual offense; sex offender registration
How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:
Legiscan
https://legiscan.com/DC
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
Judiciary and public safety
https://dccouncil.us/committees/committee-judiciary-public-safety/
Contact info for the DC Council members can be found at:
Other Useful District of Columbia Information
Contact information for District of Columbia registry office
Sex Offender Registry Unit
441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-4407
sexoffender.registry@dc.gov
NARSOL District of Columbia affiliate website or blog:
Other helpful District of Columbia advocacy groups:
Response needed.
Other registrant-friendly District of Columbia support groups:
Response needed.