If someone is convicted of a serious sex crime either in Arizona or even somewhere else and then that person moves to Arizona, he or she need to then comply with the relevant sex offender registration statutes.  This is a process that’s not necessarily challenging, but can be embarrassing, but the bottom line is that those who fail to comply with this requirement can face harsh consequences.

Below is a brief look at how sex offender registration works in Arizona, and if you have questions or are facing possible legal difficulties as a result of these laws, contact the criminal defense lawyers at Phillips &amp Associates these days to schedule an initial consultation.

Relevant Requirements

If an individual is convicted of a sex crime in Arizona, he or she need to register as a sex offender upon his or her release back into the community.  This regulation has been in spot considering that 1996, and Arizona is seen as a pioneer in this regard. 

Essentially, when a sex offender is released, he or she is assigned a ‘risk level’ by the Department of Public Safety that is determined by analyzing virtually 20 diverse variables.  The individual in question is deemed to be a level 1, a level 2 or a level 3 risk, and this is essential because of the various notice requirements attached to every single.

If an individual is a level 1 risk, the only entity that has access to this registration is the law enforcement community, as this is the ‘lowest’ risk level.  Level two offenders can have their registration accessed by law enforcement and organizations involved with young children, and level three offenders must comply with the notice requirements of level two offenders and notify any neighbors of his or her sex offender status. 

How Long this Continues

For the most component, absent rare exceptions, a sex offender in Arizona need to continue to register with the relevant authorities – meaning each and every time he or she moves – for the duration of the sex offender’s life.  Failing to provide present data can result in further criminal liability.  If a individual does not follow the notice and registration requirements, he or she could be convicted of a Class 4 felony and face substantial time in prison.  The notice that is necessary is 72 hours inside the date of a move excluding weekends and holidays.

If a person is convicted of a Class 4 felony, he or she could face a maximum of three.five years in prison.