- Level 1. The person poses a low danger to the community and is unlikely to engage in criminal sexual conduct. Level 1 offenders must register annually for 15 years.
- Level 2. The person poses a moderate danger to the community and may continue to engage in criminal sexual conduct. Level 2 offenders must register every six months for 25 years.
- Level 3. The person poses a serious danger to the community and will continue to engage in criminal sexual conduct. Level 3 offenders must register every 90 days for life.
Crimes That Are Considered Level 1 Sex Offenses
Level 1 sex crimes include acts involving sexually oriented abuse or assault, as well as indecent exposure and child pornography. The specific offenses in this category are as follows:
- 21 O.S. § 681 - Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony (if the offense involved sexual assault)
- 21 O.S. § 843.1 - Caretaker Abuse or Neglect (when sexual abuse or sexual exploitation is involved)
- 21 O.S. § 852.1 - Child Endangerment (if the offense involves sexual abuse of a child)
- 21 O.S. § 886 - Crime Against Nature/Sodomy
- 21 O.S. § 1021 (A)(1) and (A)(2) - Indecent Exposure/Indecent Exhibitions
- 21 O.S. § 1024.2 - Purchase, Procurement, or Possession of Child Pornography
- 21 O.S. § 1040.8 - Publication, Distribution, or Participation in Preparation of Obscene Material or Child Pornography (involving child pornography)
- 21 O.S. § 1040.12a - Aggravated Possession of Child Pornography
- 21 O.S. § 1040.13 - Importing or Distributing Obscene Material or Child Pornography
The state of Oklahoma has a PDF chart you can download to learn more about the classifications of sex crimes on the sex offender registry.
Consequences of Being Listed as a Registered Sex Offender in Oklahoma
If you are convicted of a crime that requires you to register as a Level 1 sex offender, you’ll be forced to adapt to many changes in your daily routine. Even though you won’t be behind bars, your freedom will be restricted, and your reputation in the community will be scarred. Here’s a brief explanation of some of the consequences Oklahoma sex offenders face as a result of being included on the registry:
- You be restricted in where you can live. Sex offenders in Oklahoma are prohibited from living within a 2,000 ft radius of schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, parks, and other areas frequented by children. This makes a large portion of residential areas, especially in urban settings, off-limits.
- You’ll be restricted in who you can live with. It's illegal for two or more sex offenders to reside together in any individual dwelling during the term of registration, except in specific circumstances like properly zoned facilities or when the offenders are related by blood or marriage.
- You won’t be able to travel freely. Sex offenders must notify law enforcement if they intend to leave the state. This can limit their ability to travel freely and take part in certain activities.
- You may need to consent to additional monitoring and surveillance. Some offenders may be required to wear GPS ankle monitors. Their online activities might be monitored, and they may be prohibited from accessing certain websites or social media platforms.
- Your employment will be limited. Registered sex offenders often face difficulties in securing employment, as they are barred from working in certain jobs. Additionally, some professional licenses may be revoked or denied.
- Your personal relationships will be affected. The stigma associated with being labeled a sex offender can lead to strained personal relationships and social isolation. This stigma often extends to family members and can impact your overall quality of life.
The restrictions against sex offenders can be such a burden that you may be tempted to simply fail to register. Unfortunately, failing to complete the registration process as required by Oklahoma law is considered a separate felony charge. Under 57 O.S. § 587, this offense is punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both fines and imprisonment.
Take Action to Protect Your Legal Rights
When you’re charged with a Level 1 sex crime, the last thing you should do is try to represent yourself or hire a general criminal defense attorney instead of a lawyer who focuses on sex crimes. You need an attorney who understands what’s at stake when you’re being charged with a sex crime and will fight to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. You need Berlin Defense.
