Missouri’s sex crime law used to be one of the strictest in the country. The state used a single-tier system, so everyone who was convicted of a sex crime had to stay on the sex offender registry for life. While people could petition to get removed from the registry, a successful petition was rare. The new law went into effect in 2018 and should significantly reduce the number of offenders on the registry.
Before the new law, anyone who committed a crime ranging from exposing one’s genitals to a violent sexual assault could end up on the registry for life. The new system includes three tiers. Each tier holds a set of sex crimes, along with the length of time that the offender will remain on the registry.
The first tier is for the least serious sex offenses, while the third tier is for the most serious of offenses.
Tier one consists of the least severe crimes and has the lowest penalties. This tier includes crimes such as exposing one’s genitals. Those convicted of a tier-one crime will spend 15 years on the sex offender registry. While on the registry, they must check in with law enforcement once a year. Failure to do so could cause them to lose tier-one status and get moved to tier two. Offenders can submit a petition to reduce the time on the registry to 10 years.
Tier two consists of more serious sex crimes. For example, someone convicted of sodomy in the second degree against a 16 or 17-year-old victim will be charged with a tier-two crime. Offenders must spend 25 years on the sex registry under the new law. These offenders are required to update their information with the registry every six months. Once 25 years have passed, the offenders must petition the court for removal from the registry.
Tier three is for the most severe sex crimes. Crimes such as first- and second-degree rape fall into this category. Those convicted of a tier-three sex crime remain on the registry for the rest of their lives. These offenders must check-in quarterly to update the information for the registry.
Those who are already on the sex offender registry can use the new laws to petition removal. Offenders must serve the prosecutor’s office with notice of the petition. The petition must be filed in court. The court considers the petition and makes a decision.
While the Missouri sex crime law is more lenient than it was in the past, sex crimes are still severe offenses. If you have been charged with a sex crime, obtaining legal counsel is critical. Your legal team can investigate the alleged crime and recommend how to move forward. A lawyer can also help you if you have already been convicted and want to petition the court for removal from the sex crime registry.
Call (417) 865-2181 to schedule a consultation with Dean Price Law in our Springfield office.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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