Arizona has very strict laws regarding sexual offences. Convicted sex offenders need to pay close attention to these laws, especially those that relate to registration with the local authorities. The last thing you want is to skip registration or a regular update and end up on the wrong side of the law.
Failing to register as a sex offender is a felony. If arrested and convicted, you face jail time. If you or someone you know failed to register as a sex offender, contact an Arizona criminal defense lawyer immediately to discuss the legal options available. Have a lawyer on your side to defend you before it’s too late.
Arizona Sexual Offender Registration Laws
Arizona state laws provide that within 72 hours of a sex offender being released from prison, the agency that had custody or supervision over the offender provide the department of public safety (DPS) with information pertaining to the offender’s identification, risk assessment and date of release.
Within 10 days after release, the sex offender has to register with the local county sheriff.
After 10 days, the DPS will cross reference the sex offender’s information, as sent to them by the custodial agency, to determine whether the person has been registered. If the offender has not been registered, the DPS can request the county attorney to petition the court for an arrest warrant against the offender.
Failure to register as a sex offender is a Class 4 felony. Penalties include jail time of up to 3.75 years.
Once a sex offender is registered, the local county sheriff will send the sex offender’s information to the local police, including a classification of the offender’s risk profile. Local police have 45 days from the date of receiving the information to notify the surrounding community of the sex offender’s presence in the community. This should be done using non-electronic means such as through local publications. The notification should include the offender’s name, photograph, criminal background and exact place of residence. If there is no law enforcement, the sheriff will make the notification.
Additional Registration Requirements
Sex offenders who do not have a permanent residence should register as transients every 90 days with the county sheriff.
Sex offenders should notify the county sheriff, within 72 hours of moving residences within or outside a county, of their new residence. They must also notify the sheriff, within 72 hours of changing their name, of their new name.
Sex offenders must update the register with Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division every year. Failure to do so is a Class 6 Felony. Penalties include jail time of up to 2 years.
Sex offenders convicted of violent crimes should not reside within 1,000 feet of public schools or childcare facilities.
For sex offenders, these laws appear harsh. However, Arizona courts do not look at them that way and have upheld penalties for non-registration, including imprisonment. If you have not registered as a sex offender, call us today to schedule a free legal consultation.