In Oklahoma, the length of time an individual must register as a sex offender depends on their risk level, which is determined by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) under the Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA). Offenders are categorized into three levels including Level I, Level II, and Level III sex offenders based on the severity of the crime committed, the risk of the offender reoffending, and the circumstances of the offense.
For people who have been accused of a sex crime, one of the primary concerns is not how long they will have to go to prison if convicted, but how long they will have to register as a sex offender afterwards. Often, the sex offender registration requirement is much more difficult than any other aspect of the sentence. As a convicted sex offender, a person has significant residency restrictions, and once the person does have suitable housing, the neighbors and the general public may be notified of his or her address. He or she may not be allowed contact with minors and will likely be prohibited from visiting parks, playgrounds, or schools. A person convicted of a sex crime may also have computer and internet restrictions, employment restrictions. A registered sex offender may have to obtain permission from church leaders to attend worship, and may have the words SEX OFFENDER emblazoned across his or her license.
Sex Offender Registration Duration by Offense Level
So if you are convicted of a sex crime in Oklahoma, or if you are convicted out of state and move to Oklahoma how long are you registered as a sex offender? The duration of sex offender registration depends upon the specific offense of which the offender was convicted.
Under federal sex offender registration laws, each state must designate a system that classifies convicted sex offenders based upon the severity of the crime and the likelihood of re-offense. Under this 3-tier system, Level One sex offenders are considered the least likely to re-offend; Level Three sex offenders are considered the greatest risk.
The chart below shows the length of time someone must register as a sex offender and how often they must update their status broken down by the level of sex crime they committed.
In some states, determining a sex offender's status requires analysis of not only the specific crime, but also the details of that case, including mitigating factors such as the offender's age, the victim's age, presence or lack of apparent consent, and whether the act was a first offense or the person is a repeat offender.
In Oklahoma, the process of determining sex offender level is much more simple, but it is often unfair and fails to distinguish between crimes that are much, much different in actuality. Oklahoma sex offender level assignment is strictly offense-based. No mitigating factors are considered in assigning a risk level to a sex offender in this state.
What Are the Sex Offender Registration Levels in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections designates the sex offender level of each individual prior to their release from prison, or at the time of sentencing if the offender is placed on probation, or receives a deferred judgement. Oklahoma law designates sex offender levels as Level I, Level II, and Level III based on the circumstances of the crime and the likelihood of the individual reoffending.
Certainly, few people would see statutory rape as an equally egregious crime as forcible rape, yet these two offenses are classified equally. Similarly, most people would see child prostitution (Level 2) as more serious than an unwanted slap on the behind (sexual battery - Level 3), yet these crimes are classified in the opposite manner--although it should be noted that "child prostitution" will more likely be prosecuted as trafficking in children, which is a Level 3 sex offense.
The penalties for sex crime conviction are severe and long-lasting. If you are accused of a sex offense, do not speak to anyone except your lawyer about your case. Call (405) 418-8888 for help.
Image Credit: West Midlands Police
