The type of sex crime you were convicted of will determine whether you are required to register as a sex offender on the sex offender registry. Individuals who are required to register will be evaluated to determine which tier they should be placed under. If you are considered a level three sex offender in Arizona, the state has determined that you are at a high risk of reoffending.
As such, measures will be taken to notify the community when you move into the neighborhood. Your personal information will be made public through the sex offender registry. Failure to follow the sex offender registration requirements could result in additional criminal charges, so do not hesitate to consult your respected Phoenix sex crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices if you are unsure of your responsibilities or have been accused of violating these restrictions.
Sex Offenders are Screened to Establish Their Status Level
In Arizona, there are three tiers of sex offender status. Level one and two sex offenders are considered a low to medium risk for recidivism, respectively. This refers to the likelihood of committing another sex crime in the future.
If you are considered a level three sex offender, it means you have been designated at the third tier of the sex offender registry. Level three sex offenders are considered a high risk for recidivism. Multiple factors may be taken into consideration, such as your criminal record, the age of the alleged victim, the specific circumstances of the case, and whether aggravating circumstances such as mutilation, being bound, or torture were involved.
There are some things you can do while incarcerated to help reduce your sex offender tier designation. If you have the opportunity to complete a substance abuse or a sex offender treatment program, this could reduce your potential for reoffending. Conversely, if you experienced severe disciplinary issues while in prison, including solitary confinement, the likelihood of receiving a level three sex offender status is high.
The Underlying Sex Crime
It is also important to consider the sex crime you were originally convicted of. Certain types of sex offenses warrant a level three designation more often than other types of sex crimes. Some of the different offenses that may lead to a level three sex offender status include:
- Indecent exposure under ARS §13-1402
- Child sex trafficking under ARS §13-3212
- Sexual assault under ARS §13-1406
- Sexual conduct with a minor under ARS §13-1405
What Happens if You Are Considered a Level 3 Sex Offender in Arizona
If you are deemed a level three sex offender in Arizona, there will be a stigma that follows you. You will be considered a great threat to society despite having completed the terms of your sentence. Not only will your information be listed in Arizona’s online data of registered sex offenders as maintained by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), but your information will also be included in the national sex offender registry as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Level three sex offenders are required to register within 10 days of their release. You will be required to continue to register on the Arizona sex offender registry every year for the rest of your life. Do not be surprised when your driver’s license includes your sex offender registration status, making it easier for law enforcement officials to identify you if you are stopped.
The Community Will Be Notified if a Level 3 Sex Offender Moves into the Neighborhood
When you move into the neighborhood as a level three sex offender, the police department is going to notify the community. Law enforcement officials will provide a physical paper flier to multiple parties, including potential employers, residential homes surrounding the area you moved into, local community groups, and even schools. These fliers will include a wide variety of personal details, including:
- Your name
- A summary of your criminal history and the crime you were convicted of
- Where you currently live
- A photograph
- Any identifying features such as scars and tattoos
- Your sex offender tier level
You may even find your personal information plastered on social media and local news outlets when police issue a press release. This could destroy your reputation before you have even had a chance to rebuild your life. For this reason, it is imperative that you take steps to get your designation reduced if possible.
Level 3 Sex Offender Housing Restrictions in AZ
Level three sex offenders in Arizona may also face housing restrictions. Since the state has determined there is a high risk that you will-offended, you will be prohibited from living within 1000 feet of certain types of structures as outlined in ARS §13-3727. Some examples of these locations include:
- Childcare facilities
- Private schools
- Near your former victim
- Public schools
However, these restrictions do not apply to all level three sex offenders. If you are a minor, on probation, established your residency before one of the previously mentioned facilities opened, or have not been convicted of a crime for the last 10 years, these restrictions may not be in place. However, you will want to consult with your Phoenix child molestation defense lawyer and speak with law enforcement officials before you move into the area, as violating these restrictions is considered a class one misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to six months in prison and fines of up to $2,500 as described under ARS §13-3824.
Turn to a Trial-Tested Sex Crimes Attorney in Arizona for Help Today
If you are classified as a level three sex offender in Arizona, your ability to put your conviction in the past may be next to impossible. If you believe your sex offender status has been misclassified, your dedicated Phoenix criminal defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices may be able to help you request additional evaluation and potentially get your status reduced to a less serious tier. You may also find yourself facing further criminal charges if you are accused of violating the Arizona sex offender registry requirements as described under ARS §13-3821.
Completing the terms of your criminal sentence is only the beginning. Do not let your future be taken over by the past. Consult our legal team by phone or through our convenient contact form to prepare the strongest defense strategy possible if you are accused of a violation.
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