When you have been convicted of a sex offense and have completed the terms of your sentence, you may be looking forward to your release. However, once you re-enter society, you may be required to register on the Arizona sex offender registry. Sex offender designation status will have an impact on any restrictions that may apply, whether your personal information is made public, and what your life may look like post-conviction.
If you have been labeled a level 1 sex offender, the state has considered you a low risk for reoffending. This could help protect your identity and give you an opportunity to rebuild your life. Your dedicated Phoenix sex crimes lawyer can help you understand what your responsibilities will be as a level 1 sex offender and how your offender status could impact your daily life.
What Does it Mean to Be Designated Level 1 on the Arizona Sex Offender Registry?
The Arizona sex offender registration system classifies sex offenders into different tiers. Level 1 sex offenders are considered the least likely to re-offend. There are also level two offenders who may be considered a moderate risk for reoffense or level three offenders who are considered a high risk for reoffense.
As a level 1 sex offender, you will be required to register on the Arizona sex offender registry annually as described under ARS § 13-3821. Your driver’s license will also include your registration status. Generally, you will be expected to register your status as a level 1 sex offender every year for the rest of your life unless you can work with your Phoenix internet sex crime defense lawyer to successfully petition the court to have your name removed from the registry.
Which Sex Offenses Carry a Level 1 Offender Status?
The type of sex crime you were convicted of and the specific circumstances of your case will determine what your sex offender classification should be. Several criminal offenses may warrant a level 1 sex offender designation. Some of the most common sex crimes level 1 sex offenders have been convicted of include:
- Child prostitution under ARS § 13-3212
- Sexual assault under ARS § 13-1406
- Sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 18 under ARS § 13-1405
- Non-commercial sexual exploitation of a minor under ARS 13-3553
- Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor under ARS § 13-3552
This is not an exhaustive list of the types of sex crimes that may warrant a level 1 sex offender registration. If you were convicted of any of the previously mentioned crimes, you can expect to be visible in the Arizona sex offender registry’s public online database. Your offender risk level, current photograph, address, age, name, and the offense you were convicted of will all be visible to the public.
Arizona Sex Offender Assessment Screenings
It can be difficult to determine which tier you should be designated. The state will conduct comprehensive sex offender assessment screenings to determine what tier you should be registered under. For this reason, it is crucial that you understand what goes into these assessments so you can prepare accordingly.
Risk Assessment Factors
The purpose of designated tiers is the ability to keep track of sex offenders who may be likely to commit another sex offense or any crime, for that matter. There are multiple factors that will be taken into account when undergoing your risk assessment. Some of the most notable factors include:
- Whether you have a history of felony convictions of crimes without sexual motivation
- How old you were at the time you were convicted
- Whether force was used to commit the sex crime
- How many times you have been convicted for misdemeanors, felonies, or sex crimes
- Whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the attack
- The type of relationship you had with the alleged victim prior to the incident
- Whether there was the use of a deadly weapon
- The alleged victim’s gender
- Whether sex offenses were committed over a period of more than five years
- Your education and employment history
- Whether aggravating factors were present, such as being subject to unlawful imprisonment, mutilation, torture, the incident occurring at multiple locations, or lasting more than three hours
- Whether there were multiple alleged victims
- Whether you were previously arrested on suspicion of committing a sex offense, even if you were not ultimately charged
- Whether you have a mood disorder, mental illness, or IQ under 70
These are only a few examples of factors that may be taken into account. If “sexually deviant interests” such as bestiality, voyeurism, necrophilia, or pedophilia were involved in the incident, you may be more likely to be designated at a higher tier on the Arizona sex offender registry. Likewise, completing sex offender and substance abuse treatment programs may allow you to achieve a lower tier, which could allow you to get back to your life a little more easily once you are released.
Community Notification Requirements for Level 1 Sex Offenders
When you move into a new community as a registered sex offender, there may be a requirement that the community be notified. Fortunately, if you are designated a level 1 sex offender, the police department will not typically move forward with community notification via press release. However, if you are sharing a residence with someone, the police must notify your roommates as described by ARS § 13-3822.
Clear Your Name With Help From an Arizona Sex Crimes Lawyer
As a level 1 sex offender, your life will not be as affected by your status as someone who was classified as a level 2 or level 3 sex offender. However, that does not mean your life will not be affected by the Arizona sex offender registration requirements. A violation of these requirements could result in additional criminal charges and incarceration.
Do not squander your opportunity to put this experience behind you. If you are accused of violating your sex offender registry requirements, do not hesitate to consult a top-rated Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices. Fill out our secured contact form or call us to schedule your confidential case evaluation as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form