Restrictions for Puerto Rico
Review Supervised Release restrictions in this federal district and the Sex Offender Registry requirements for the territory of Puerto Rico
District of Puerto Rico
Below you will find information on standard conditions of supervision and travel restrictions, as well as sex offender registry requirements.
Always follow the conditions and restrictions given to you by your U.S. Probation Officer.
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Standard Conditions of Supervision
As part of their probation, defendants must comply with the following standard conditions of supervision:
- Defendants must report to the probation office in the federal judicial district where they are authorized to reside within 72 hours of the time you were sentenced, unless the probation officer instructs them to report to a different probation office or within a different time frame.
- After initially reporting to the probation office, defendants will receive instructions from the court or their probation officer about how and when they must report to their probation officer, and they must report to their probation officer as instructed.
- Defendants must not knowingly leave the federal judicial district where they are authorized to reside without first getting permission from the court or their probation officer.
- Defendants must answer truthfully the questions asked by their probation officer.
- Defendants must live at a place approved by the probation officer. If they plan to change where they live or anything about their living arrangements (such as the people they live with), they must notify their probation officer at least 10 days before the change. If notifying the probation officer in advance is not possible due to unanticipated circumstances, they must notify their probation officer within 72 hours of becoming aware of a change or expected change.
- Defendants must allow the probation officer to visit them at any time at their home or elsewhere, and they must permit their probation officer to take any items prohibited by the conditions of their supervision that he or she observes in plain view.
- Defendants must work full time (at least 30 hours per week) at a lawful type of employment, unless the probation officer excuses them from doing so. If they do not have full-time employment they must try to find full-time employment, unless their probation officer excuses them from doing so. If they plan to change where they work or anything about their work (such as their position or their job responsibilities), they must notify their probation officer at least 10 days before the change. If notifying the probation officer at least 10 days in advance is not possible due to unanticipated circumstances, they must notify their probation officer within 72 hours of becoming aware of a change or expected change.
- Defendants must not communicate or interact with someone they know is engaged in criminal activity. If they know someone has been convicted of a felony, they must not knowingly communicate or interact with that person without first getting the permission of their probation officer.
- If defendants are arrested or questioned by a law enforcement officer, they must notify their probation officer within 72 hours.
- Defendants must not own, possess, or have access to a firearm, ammunition, destructive device, or dangerous weapon (i.e., anything that was designed, or was modified for, the specific purpose of causing bodily injury or death to another person such as nunchakus or tasers).
- Defendants must not act or make any agreement with a law enforcement agency to act as a confidential human source or informant without first getting the permission of the court.
- If the probation officer determines that a defendant poses a risk to another person (including an organization), the probation officer may require this defendant to notify the person about the risk and he or she must comply with that instruction. The probation officer may contact the person and confirm that the defendant have notified the person about the risk.
- Defendants must follow the instructions of their probation officer related to the conditions of supervision.
Travel Restrictions
You can request a travel authorization after the first six months of the post-conviction supervised release term has elapsed. If the trip is within the United States and for fifteen days or less, a travel request has to be made and authorization has to be received from the US Probation officer in charge of your supervision. Further, if the trip is longer than fifteen days, you must report to the US probation office of the district where you are traveling.
- If you are on pre-trial supervision a traveling request has to be made to the court by your attorney.
For more information visit the links below:
Condiciones de Supervisión
Como parte de su probatoria, los acusados tienen que cumplir con las siguientes condiciones estándar de supervisión:
- Reportarse da la oficina de probatoria federal en el distrito judicial donde está autorizado a residir en un término de 72 horas desde la sentencia, a menos que el oficial de probatoria indique que se reporte a otra oficina de probatoria federal o dentro de otro término de tiempo.
- Después de reportarse inicialmente a la oficina de probatoria federal, el acusado recibirá instrucciones del tribunal o del oficial de probatoria sobre cómo y cuándo tiene que reportarse a su oficial de probatoria, y tiene que reportarse a su oficial de probatoria de acuerdo a estas instrucciones.
- El acusado no puede abandonar a sabiendas el distrito judicial federal donde está autorizado a residir sin primero obtener autorización del tribunal o de su oficial de probatoria.
- El acusado tiene que responder con sinceridad las preguntas hechas por su oficial de probatoria.
- El acusado tiene que vivir en un lugar autorizado por el oficial de probatoria. Si planea mudarse o cambiar cualquier cosa en sus arreglos de vivienda (como las personas con las que vive), debe notificar a su oficial de probatoria por lo menos 10 días antes del cambio. Si no es posible notificar por adelantado a su oficial de probatoria debido a circunstancias imprevistas, el acusado debe notificar a su oficial de probatoria dentro de 72 horas de enterarse del cambio o posible cambio.
- El acusado tiene que permitir que su oficial de probatoria le visite en cualquier momento en su hogar o en otro lugar y tiene que permitir que el oficial de probatoria incaute cualquier artículo prohibido por las condiciones de su supervisión que el oficial observe a simple vista.
- El acusado tiene que trabajar a tiempo completo (al menos 30 horas por semana) en un tipo de empleo legal, a menos que el oficial de probatoria le exima de hacerlo. Si no tiene un empleo a tiempo completo, debe intentar encontrar un empleo a tiempo completo, a menos que el oficial de probatoria lo exima de hacerlo. Si planifica cambiar su trabajo o cualquier cosa de su trabajo (como su posición o sus responsabilidades laborales), debe notificar al oficial de probatoria por lo menos 10 días antes del cambio. Si no es posible notificar al oficial de probatoria con al menos 10 días de antelación debido a circunstancias imprevistas, debe notificar al oficial de probatoria dentro de las 72 horas de enterarse del cambio o posible cambio.
- El acusado no puede comunicarse o interactuar con alguien que sepa que está involucrado en actividades delictivas. Si el acusado sabe que alguien ha sido sentenciado por un delito grave, no debe comunicarse a sabiendas o interactuar con esa persona sin antes obtener el permiso del oficial de probatoria.
- Si el acusado es arrestado o interrogado por un oficial de la ley, debe notificarlo a su oficial de probatoria dentro de 72 horas.
- El acusado no puede adquirir, tomar prestada o tener acceso a un arma de fuego, munición, dispositivo destructivo, o arma peligrosa (es decir, cualquier objeto diseñado o modificado con el propósito específico de causar lesiones corporales o muerte a otra persona como nunchakus o tasers).
- El acusado no puede actuar ni hacer ningún acuerdo con alguna agencia de ley para actuar como confidente o informante sin permiso previo del tribunal.
- Si el oficial de probatoria determina que el acusado representa un riesgo para otra persona (incluyendo alguna organización), el oficial de probatoria puede requerir que el acusado notifique a esa persona acerca del riesgo y tiene que cumplir con esa instrucción. El oficial de probatoria puede comunicarse con esa persona y confirmar que fue notificada sobre el riesgo.
- El acusado tiene que cumplir las instrucciones del oficial de probatoria relacionadas con las condiciones de supervisión.
Restricciones para Viajar
Puede solicitar una autorización de viaje después que hayan transcurrido los primeros seis (6) meses de su libertad supervisada tras la sentencia. Si el viaje es dentro de Estados Unidos y de una duración de quince (15) días o menos, debe someter una solicitud de viaje y recibir autorización del oficial de probatoria federal a cargo de su supervisión. Además, si el viaje tiene una duración mayor a quince (15) días, debe reportarse a la oficina de probatoria federal del districto a donde está viajando.
- Si está en supervisión previa al juicio, su abogado debe presentar una solicitud de viaje al tribunal.
Para obtener más información, visite los enlaces a continuación
What is the sex offender registry?
What is the Sex Offender Registry?
Every state and U.S. territory requires those convicted of sex offenses to be added to a registry to be monitored and tracked after their release back into the community. Information about the offender is collected and shared with local and federal authorities, as well as the general public. Requirements and restrictions are often placed on registered sex offenders. That registration process is unique in each state and U.S. territory.
What is SORNA?
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) was passed in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act to provide federal standards for jurisdictions to follow. SORNA calls for states and U.S. territories to meet minimum requirements for sex offender registration and notification.
Why Are the Requirements for Sex Offender Registration Different Everywhere?
While SORNA’s guidelines streamlined registration and notification requirements across the country, these requirements are far from uniform. Each jurisdiction determines the details of their own registration process. This leaves a patchwork of rules for sex offenders that vary widely depending on where a registrant lives or works.
Where PIN Comes In
Probation Information Network developed a list of questions regarding the sex offender registration requirements across the country. These are questions that might concern the public, victims and their advocates, or those who are facing registration or are currently registered and their loved ones. We then searched the statutes or code of each jurisdiction for the laws surrounding sex offender registration and notification. Where necessary, we consulted with the law enforcement agency in charge of the jurisdiction’s registry to provide clear and concise answers to the following questions:
- What is the duration of registration?
How long must a sex offender remain on the registry? The length of time a sex offender must comply with registration requirements varies widely depending on the jurisdiction where the registrant lives, and the level of the offense committed. All but 2 jurisdictions offer a path for eventual removal from the registry for at least some of their registrants.
- Must the immediate community be notified directly, either by the offender or law enforcement?
Every jurisdiction has passive community notification in the form of a public sex offender registry website. Concerned citizens are free to search the website and can sign up for email notifications if a sex offender moves into their neighborhood. Some jurisdictions go even further and require active notification, where either law enforcement or the offender themselves is required to directly notify the immediate community that a sex offender is in the area. This can take many forms, including electronic, mail, or in-person notification, publication in local newspapers, and community meetings.
- What are the residence distance restrictions?
Are there any restrictions on where a registered sex offender can live? Some jurisdictions restrict registrants from living within a measured distance of certain places. This restriction could be for all registrants, or only for higher-level offenders or those under supervision. Some jurisdictions do not have a state-wide restriction but do allow local jurisdictions to enact their own.
- What are the employment distance restrictions?
Registered sex offenders are usually restricted from certain types of employment, and from working at establishments that specifically cater to minors. Some jurisdictions go even further and restrict registrants from working within a measured distance of certain places.
- Is an employer’s information included on the public registry?
Returning citizens of every type need to find employment upon reentry, and sex offenders are no exception. Some jurisdictions include registrants’ employment information on the public registry website. This could be the employer’s address or in some cases the name of the employer.
- Are online identifiers included on the public registry?
Some jurisdictions require registered sex offenders to report any identifiers they use online, such as email addresses and social media user names. In some jurisdictions that information is included on the public registry website, separate from the registrant’s profile, in a feature that allows the public to search by specific identifiers.
- Is a state-issued ID required to be labeled?
Some jurisdictions require a state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, to be labeled to identify the holder as a registered sex offender. This label could be the words “Sex Offender” printed on the ID in a prominent place or a more subtle designation known to law enforcement.
- What is the cost of registration?
Is there a fee to register as a sex offender? Some jurisdictions pass on some of their administrative costs to the registrants. This could be a one-time fee paid only upon initial registration, or an ongoing fee paid annually or quarterly. Some jurisdictions charge a fee every time a registrant updates their information.
- How long can a registrant be in the state for work or education before registration is required?
Does a sex offender have to register if they work or go to school in a different state? It depends on the state, and how long the registrant will be there. Some jurisdictions require registrants to notify authorities immediately, while others allow limited stays without requiring registration. Registrants currently under supervision usually need permission from their Parole or Probation Officer before traveling and should always consult their supervising officer.
- How long can a registrant visit the state before registration is required?
Can a registered sex offender go on vacation? Does a sex offender have to register if they visit a different state? It depends on the state, and how long the registrant will be there. Some jurisdictions require registrants to notify authorities immediately, while others allow limited stays without requiring registration. Registrants currently under supervision usually need permission from their Parole or Probation Officer before traveling and should always consult their supervising officer.
The answers provided are taken directly from the laws found on the state or territory’s legislative website or, where necessary, from the website of the law enforcement agency in charge of the jurisdiction’s registry. In some cases, we contacted state or territory officials for clarification and have directly quoted those conversations.
Disclaimer
While we stand by our research, it is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice and, while we strive to provide accurate and up to date information, it is not guaranteed to be complete or correct. We provide links to each jurisdiction’s legislative and law enforcement websites and maintain a directory of lawyers who specialize in sex offender registration laws. For those currently under supervision, consult with your Parole or Probation Officer for guidance.
What is the duration of registration?
L.P.R.A. § 536c.
A sex offender shall keep the registration current and meet the requirements established in §§ 536—536h of this title for the following registration periods:
(a) Fifteen (15) years, if the offender is a Tier I Sex Offender;
(b) twenty-five (25) years, if the offender is a Tier II Sex Offender, and
(c) the life of the offender, if the offender is a Tier III Sex Offender.
The terms herein provided shall start to count as of the sex offender’s release from prison after having served the sentence of imprisonment imposed, and the Corrections Administration notifies the registration of the offender in the Registry. In the case of release on parole or probation, or admittance to a diversion, treatment or rehabilitation program, the registration period shall start to count from the time a sentence, resolution, or determination is issued to participate in such programs and notice of registration is served.
A Tier I Sex Offender shall be eliminated from the Registry before the fifteen (15)-year term mentioned above has elapsed should the offender maintain a clean record for a ten (10)-year term. The court shall state in its order or resolution if the information may be kept sealed or confidential for recidivism purposes.
Must the immediate community be notified directly, either by the offender or law enforcement?
L.P.R.A. § 536f.
It is further provided that the System shall take the necessary steps to publish such Registry in a newspaper of general circulation in Puerto Rico at least once a year.
What are the residence distance restrictions?
L.P.R.A. § 536b.
(f) The court, as part of the sentence and while the person is subject to the Registry, shall notify the sex offender who was convicted of a specified offense against a minor, as defined herein, on the prohibition to establish his/her residence within five hundred (500) feet or less from any elementary, intermediate, or high school, or a child day care establishment duly certified and licensed by the corresponding agencies. This prohibition shall remain in effect while the information of the person remains in the registry.
What are the employment distance restrictions?
None.
Is an employer's information included on the public registry?
No.
Are online identifiers included on the public registry?
No.
L.P.R.A. § 536f.
The following information shall not be disclosed:
(e) The Internet site, electronic mail, and username that identifies the sex offender in social networks.
Is a state-issued ID required to be labeled?
No.
What is the cost of registration?
None found.
How long can a registrant be in the state for work or education before registration is required?
L.P.R.A. § 536c.
In the case of a person of another country who has been convicted of a sex offense or child abuse by a federal, state or military court, or a court of his/her country, and resides in Puerto Rico, or who is in Puerto Rico by reasons of work or study, even if such offender does not intend to establish a residence in Puerto Rico, he/she shall be required to register and shall carry out his/her registration not later than three (3) days after his/her arrival to Puerto Rico.
How long can a registrant visit the state before registration is required?
L.P.R.A. § 536c.
In the case of a person of another country who has been convicted of a sex offense or child abuse by a federal, state or military court, or a court of his/her country, and resides in Puerto Rico, or who is in Puerto Rico by reasons of work or study, even if such offender does not intend to establish a residence in Puerto Rico, he/she shall be required to register and shall carry out his/her registration not later than three (3) days after his/her arrival to Puerto Rico.