Section 301.47. Sex offender name changes prohibited.

 

(1)  In this section, “sex offender" means a person who is subject to s. 301.45 (1g) but does not include a person who, as a result of a proceeding under s. 301.45 (1m) , is not required to comply with the reporting requirements of s. 301.45 .

(2)  A sex offender may not do any of the following before he or she is released, under s. 301.45 (5) or (5m) , from the reporting requirements of s. 301.45 :

(a) Change his or her name.

(b) Identify himself or herself by a name unless the name is one by which the person is identified with the department.

(3)  Whoever intentionally violates sub. (2) is subject to the following penalties:

(a) Except as provided in par. (b) , the person is guilty of a Class H felony.

(b) The person may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both if all of the following apply:

1. The person was ordered under s. 51.20 (13) (ct) 1m. , 938.34 (15m) (am) , 938.345 (3) , 971.17 (1m) (b) 1m. , or 973.048 (1m) to comply with the reporting requirements under s. 301.45 based on a finding that he or she committed or solicited, conspired, or attempted to commit a misdemeanor.

2. The person was not convicted of another offense under this section before committing the present violation.

(4)  The department shall make a reasonable attempt to notify each person required to comply with the reporting requirements under s. 301.45 of the prohibition in sub. (2) , but neither the department's failure to make such an attempt nor the department's failure to notify a person of that prohibition is a defense to a prosecution under this section.

2003 a. 52 , 320 .