If I am convicted of child molestation will I have to register as a sex offender? (Penal Code Section 290)

Yes. If you are convicted of felony child molestation per Penal Code Section 288 or misdemeanor child molestation/annoyance under Penal Code Section 647.6 then the court is required to order you to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code Section 290. This will be a lifetime registration requirement. This will mean that every year on your birthday you will have to register. You also will have to register at the local police station anytime you move your residence. There are many other serious negative consequences associated with registration. In some cases you will appear on the internet as a sex offender and if that is the case people can easily search the web and find where you live.