Nevada County Sex Offender Information
Sex offenders in Nevada County register with the Sheriff's Office in Nevada City. Anyone convicted under California Penal Code Section 290 must report here if living in the county. The sheriff maintains compliance records and coordinates with the state database. You can search for registered offenders using the California Megan's Law website by entering a Nevada County address. Offenders must register within five working days of moving to the county or being released from custody. Annual updates occur on each person's birthday, with more frequent check-ins required for transients and sexually violent predators.
Nevada County Quick Facts
Sheriff Registration Office
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office in Nevada City handles all sex offender registrations. Call 530-265-1400 before visiting to confirm hours and availability. Bring valid photo ID and proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your name and Nevada County address. If you own a vehicle, bring registration documents.
During registration, staff will photograph you and collect fingerprints. You provide details about where you live, where you work, and any vehicles you own. You must also disclose internet identifiers like email addresses and social media usernames. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Once complete, the sheriff submits your data to the California Department of Justice. The state database updates within a few days.
The sheriff maintains local files on every registered offender in Nevada County. Deputies conduct compliance checks to verify addresses and employment. If you move within the county, notify the sheriff within five working days. If you move to another county or state, register there within the same time frame. Failing to update on time is a criminal offense that can result in new charges.
Megan's Law Search
California's Megan's Law website at meganslaw.ca.gov provides public access to sex offender information. Enter a Nevada County address to see a map of registered individuals nearby. The map uses pins to mark each offender's location. Click on a pin to view the profile. Most profiles include a photo, physical description, and conviction details.
Each profile displays the tier level. Tier One offenders register for ten years. Tier Two offenders register for twenty years. Tier Three offenders register for life. Some profiles show full street addresses. Others only display a zip code or mark the person as undisclosed per court order. The level of detail depends on the offender's tier and any legal restrictions.
The website updates daily based on reports from local sheriffs across California. If someone just registered in Nevada County, the profile might not appear until the next day. Not all registered offenders are on the public site. Some are excluded by law, including certain juvenile offenders and low-level misdemeanor cases. If you cannot find someone, call the sheriff to inquire about that individual.
Registration Timelines
Initial registration must occur within five working days. This applies when you are released from jail or prison, when you move to Nevada County from another area, or when you first become subject to registration. Five working days means business days only, excluding weekends and holidays. If released on a Thursday, you have until the following Thursday to register.
Annual updates happen on your birthday. The law requires updating within five working days before or after that date. If your birthday is November 16, you can register anytime from November 11 to November 21. The sheriff does not send reminder notices. You are responsible for tracking the date and appearing on time. Missing the window is a violation that can lead to criminal charges.
Transients update every 30 days. You are classified as transient if you lack a permanent residence. This includes living in a vehicle, staying in a shelter, or moving between temporary locations. The sheriff makes the final determination. If deemed transient, you must update every 30 days and report where you have been staying. This rule helps law enforcement track individuals who move around frequently.
Sexually violent predators update every 90 days regardless of housing status. This category includes individuals civilly committed as SVPs or those with certain convictions. The 90-day requirement is more frequent than the annual birthday update but less burdensome than the 30-day transient schedule. All these timelines are set by Penal Code Section 290.012.
Tier System Overview
Senate Bill 384 introduced California's tier system in January 2021. It replaced lifetime registration for many offenders. Now duration depends on the tier assigned at conviction. Tier One is ten years for adults and five years for juveniles. Tier Two is twenty years for adults and ten years for juveniles. Tier Three is lifetime with no option for early termination.
The tier is based on the specific crime. Rape under Penal Code Section 261 is typically Tier Three. Lewd acts with a child under Penal Code Section 288 can be Tier Two or Tier Three depending on the circumstances. Indecent exposure might be Tier One. The statute sets the tier. Judges and prosecutors do not have discretion to change it.
After completing the minimum period, Tier One and Tier Two offenders can petition the court for removal from the registry. The petition goes to the court that handled your original conviction. You may need legal help to prepare the paperwork correctly. The court has 60 days to decide. If approved, you stop registering and your profile is removed from the public website. Tier Three offenders cannot petition unless they obtain a pardon or other extraordinary relief.
State and Federal Resources
The California Department of Justice oversees the statewide sex offender registry program. Visit oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg for forms, FAQs, and policy updates. You can download an Application for Exclusion from Internet Disclosure if you qualify. The DOJ also publishes statistics on total registrants and their categories. Processing exclusion applications takes 30 to 90 days or longer depending on the volume of requests.
For inmates in state custody, use the California Incarcerated Records and Information Search at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. Search by name or CDCR number to find current location, admission date, and parole hearing dates. This helps you know when someone will be released and required to register in Nevada County or another location.
The National Sex Offender Public Website at nsopw.gov searches all state registries. Use it to check if someone has a registration history in Nevada or other states before moving to California. The federal site combines data from every jurisdiction. It is free and does not require a login. The U.S. Department of Justice runs the site.
Legal aid organizations in Northern California can assist with registration questions or petitions for removal. Legal Services of Northern California serves Nevada County. Call their intake line to see if you qualify for free help. Private attorneys also handle sex offender registry cases. Expect to pay for a consultation and legal work if you hire a lawyer.
Nearby Counties
For sex offender information in surrounding counties, see: