Virginia law § 18.2-472.1 makes it a crime for sex offenders to knowingly fail to register, reregister, or provide false information to the Sex Offender Registry. Penalties vary based on the offender's classification, with misdemeanors and felonies for subsequent violations. The law also establishes procedures for prosecution locations and admits affidavits as prima facie evidence of non-compliance.
Failure to register or provide false information can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor for first offenses, and higher felonies for subsequent violations, depending on the offender's classification.
Prosecutions are brought in the city or county where the offender can be found, last registered, or last convicted of an offense requiring registration.
An affidavit from the State Police, issued as required by law, is admitted as prima facie evidence of non-compliance.
Yes, violations by offenders convicted of Tier III offenses or murder are classified as a Class 6 felony, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.