Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

It depends on the circumstances. If the offense requiring registration is a misdemeanor, the first conviction for failing to register is a misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year in jail. If the original offense was a felony, failure to register is a felony punishable by 16 months, 2 years or three years in prison.

Many sex offenses are also "strikes" under the Three Strikes law. The sentence for a felony conviction is doubled if the defendant has one prior strike conviction. If the defendant has two prior strikes, the sentence is 25 years to life.

Other factors, such as prior prison terms, can also increase the sentence. The situation you describe might also result perjury charges for lying on the registration form, which is signed under oath.

Prison for parole/probation violation, and/or new felony charges.