What is a Registerable Sex Crime in Oregon?

Oregon is known for its stringent approach towards crimes of a sexual nature. This approach is particularly reflected in the state’s laws regarding sex offender registration. These laws mandate that individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses must register as sex offenders with Oregon law enforcement, typically upon their release from incarceration. Their names are then added to the Oregon sex offender registry, where they usually remain for life. The registry is publicly accessible, allowing anyone to view the listed sex offender’s status.

The stated aim of these registration requirements in Oregon is to help law enforcement agencies prevent future sexual offenses. However, the consequences of being designated as a sex offender extend far beyond legal compliance. Such individuals often face significant social and professional stigma. They are frequently ostracized by neighbors, community members, and others who access the registry, facing a pariah-like treatment regardless of how long ago their offense occurred. Moreover, the registry is commonly used by employers, landlords, and educational institutions as a screening tool, making it challenging for registered sex offenders to secure employment, housing, or educational opportunities.

What Crimes In Oregon Require Registration As A Sex Offender?

The definition section of ORS 163A.005 detail what is considered a “sex crime” in Oregon:

(5) “Sex crime” means:
(a) Rape in any degree;
(b) Sodomy in any degree;
(c) Unlawful sexual penetration in any degree;
(d) Sexual abuse in any degree;
(e) Incest with a child victim;
(f) Using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct;
(g) Encouraging child sexual abuse in any degree;
(h) Transporting child pornography into the state;
(i) Paying for viewing a child’s sexually explicit conduct;
(j) Compelling prostitution;
(k) Promoting prostitution;
(L) Kidnapping in the first degree if the victim was under 18 years of age;
(m) Contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor;
(n) Sexual misconduct if the offender is at least 18 years of age;
(o) Possession of materials depicting sexually explicit conduct of a child in the first degree;
(p) Kidnapping in the second degree if the victim was under 18 years of age, except by a parent or by a person found to be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court;
(q) Online sexual corruption of a child in any degree if the offender reasonably believed the child to be more than five years younger than the offender;
(r) Luring a minor, if:
(A) The offender reasonably believed the minor or, in the case of a police officer or agent of a police officer posing as a minor, the purported minor to be more than five years younger than the offender or under 16 years of age; and
(B) The court designates in the judgment that the offense is a sex crime;
(s) Sexual assault of an animal;
(t) Public indecency or private indecency, if the person has a prior conviction for a crime listed in this subsection;
(u) Trafficking in persons as described in ORS 163.266(1)(b) or (c);
(v) Purchasing sex with a minor if the court designates the offense as a sex crime pursuant to ORS 163.413(3)(d), or the offense is the defendant’s second or subsequent conviction under ORS 163.413(3)(b)(B);
(w) Invasion of personal privacy in the first degree, if the court designates the offense as a sex crime pursuant to ORS 163.701(3);
(x) Any attempt to commit any of the crimes listed in paragraphs (a) to (w) of this subsection;
(y) Burglary, when committed with intent to commit any of the offenses listed in paragraphs (a) to (w) of this subsection; or
(z) Criminal conspiracy if the offender agrees with one or more persons to engage in or cause the performance of an offense listed in paragraphs (a) to (w) of this subsection.

The definitions further define who in Oregon is considered a “sex offender””

(6) “Sex offender” means a person who:
(a) Has been convicted of a sex crime;
(b) Has been found guilty except for insanity of a sex crime;
(c) Has been convicted in another United States court of a crime:
(A) That would constitute a sex crime if committed in this state; or
(B) For which the person would have to register as a sex offender in that court’s jurisdiction, or as required under federal law, regardless of whether the crime would constitute a sex crime in this state; or
(d) Is described in ORS 163A.025 (Reporting by sex offender adjudicated in juvenile court) (1).

Facing Sexual Offense Charge? Secure Expert Legal Representation Now

Because of the serious and onerous potential for a lifetime of sex offender reporting, if you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Oregon, hire an attorney right away. Our office has experience in representing clients throughout the state charged with crimes in Oregon which could cause sex offender registration, and in many cases, we’ve been able tto plea bargain the case to not require the registration requirement.