What Does It Mean to Become a Registered Sex Offender?

Being a registered sex offender in Arizona means that an individual has been convicted of certain sex-related crimes and is legally required to register their information with the state.

When someone registers a sex offender, they must provide personal details, such as name, address, physical description and other identifying information. Once registered, this information can be accessed by the public via an online database maintained by the state.

These registration requirements are part of Arizona's Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), which requires those convicted of certain sex-related crimes to register for life with local law enforcement agencies or face criminal penalties if they fail to do so.

If you’re currently registered as a sex offender, you likely know the social stigma that comes with it. It’s not uncommon for registered sex offenders to struggle with housing, employment and personal relationships.

At the Law Office of Michael Alarid III, we can defend you against sex crime allegations or advocate on your behalf if you are seeking sex offender registration termination. Additionally, we provide legal representation to those facing failure to register violations.

What Is the Arizona Sex Offender Registry?

The Arizona Sex Offender Registry is a public database of registered sex offenders in the state managed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. It includes information such as name, address, photo and offense details for all registered sex offenders living in Arizona. The registry allows citizens to search by zip code or city/town to identify potential offenders living nearby.

The goal of the Arizona Sex Offender Registry is to provide accurate, up-to-date information on registered sex offenders living in the state. This information helps law enforcement, victims and the public to better protect themselves from potential harm.

The registry also aims to help Arizona citizens make informed decisions regarding their own safety and the safety of those around them.

What Is the Sex Offender Registration Process in Arizona?

The sex offender registration process typically involves providing a photo ID, fingerprints and palm prints, home address, employment address and other identifying information. The registration takes place at the nearest sheriff’s office in the county where the offender resides. Depending on the type of conviction, registrants may also be subject to community notification requirements or lifetime supervision as part of their sentence.

Individuals must also report any changes in residence and employment within three days of moving, or risk facing additional criminal charges.

Who Is Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Arizona?

In Arizona, anyone who has been convicted of a sexual offense as defined in A.R.S. 13-3821 must register with the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where they reside.

This includes defendants convicted for the following offenses:

• Sexual assault
• Child molestation
• Kidnapping of a minor
• Sexual conduct with a minor
• Child sex trafficking
• Child prostitution
• Child pornography crimes
• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Indecent exposure to a minor
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child

When Does the Sex Offender Registration Requirement End?

Typically, there is no expiration date for sex offender registration and annual reregistration is required. However, there are a few limited exceptions to this rule, which include:

• If the person was a juvenile at the time of the conviction, they may only be required to register as a sex offender until the age of 25

• If someone was under 18 at the time of the offense, their registration requirements can be terminated after completing probation

Offenders convicted for sexual conduct with a minor can petition the court to terminate their registration requirements, but only in these circumstances:

• The offender was under 22 years old when they committed the offense
• The victim was 15 years old or older at the time of the offense
• The sexual conduct, although illegal, was consensual
• The sexual conduct was a one-time offense and there was only one victim involved
• The defendant was not imprisoned for the offense and has successfully completed probation
• The defendant hasn’t been convicted of any other felony after completing probation

The defendant (and their defense attorney) must prove the above factors in a court hearing and the judge must believe he or she isn’t a threat to the public for the registration requirement to be terminated.

Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney for a Case Evaluation

If you’re attempting to have your sex offender registration terminated, you’ll likely need the legal help of a defense attorney.

With the help and legal expertise of criminal defense attorney Michael Alarid III, you may be able to obtain a fresh start in life without having to carry the heavy burden of the past.

To schedule a consultation, call our Phoenix law office today at 602-818-3110.