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Background Checks Jul 14, 2022

The Different Sex Offender Levels and What They Mean

What is a "Tier"? A Tier is a level in which a Sex Offender is categorized based on his/her sex offense.

What is a "Tier"?
A Tier is a level in which a Sex Offender is categorized based on the sexual offense.

What is Tier 1 and Offenses Related?


A “Tier 1” offense includes any sex offense for which a person has been convicted, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such an offense, that is not a “Tier 2” or “Tier 3” offense. Offenses Involving Minors. A “Tier 1” offense also includes any offense for which a person has been convicted by any jurisdiction, local government, or qualifying foreign country that involves the false imprisonment of a minor, video voyeurism of a minor, or possession or receipt of child pornography.

What is Tier 2 and Offenses Related?


Recidivism and Felonies. Unless otherwise covered by Section 5.3.3, any sex offense that is not the first sex offense for which a person has been convicted and that is punishable by more than one year in jail is considered a “Tier 2” offense. Offenses Involving Minors. A “Tier 2” offense includes any sex offense against a minor for which a person has been convicted, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such an offense, that involves: 1. The use of minors in prostitution, including solicitations, 2. Enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. A non-forcible Sexual Act with a minor 16 or 17 years old. 4. Sexual contact with a minor 13 years of age or older, whether directly or indirectly through the clothing, that involves the intimate parts of the body. 5. The use of a minor in a sexual performance, or 6. The production or distribution of child pornography.

 

What is Tier 3 and Offenses Related?


Recidivism and Felonies. Any sex offense that is punishable by more than one year in jail where the offender has at least one prior conviction for a Tier 2 sex offense, or has previously become a Tier 2 sex offender, is a “Tier 3” offense. A “Tier 3” offense includes any sex offense for which a person has been convicted, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such an offense, that involves: 1. Non-parental kidnapping of a minor, 2. A sexual act with another by force or threat, 3. A sexual act with another who has been rendered unconscious or involuntarily drugged, or who is otherwise incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or declining to participate, or 4. Sexual contact with a minor 12 years of age or younger, including offenses that cover sexual touching of or contact with the intimate parts of the body, either directly or through the clothing.
 
It is important to note that sex offender registry classifications and requirements can vary from state to state. You can learn more about your specific state's laws here: https://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/50-state-comparison-relief-from-sex-offender-registration-obligations/
 
 

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome as individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an experienced lawyer to understand current laws and how they may affect a case.

This information was sources from: https://hopi.nsopw.gov/FAQs.aspx#148 

 

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