Beginning January 1, 2008 Ohio implemented a new classification system for offenders
convicted on sexual-related offenses.

Upon sentencing, a judge decides based on a number of factors, at which level the offender will immediately be classified. When the offender is released from confinement, moves to a new county of residence or begins a job or school, the offender must register with the sheriff within three days.

In addition to their residential, school and/or employment and personal identifying information, each sex offender who is legally required to register must provide the Sheriff’s Office with:

• The license plate number of all vehicles to which they have access, including work vehicles, and where said vehicles are habitually parked.

• Email addresses and internet identifiers, e.g. screen names, etc.

• Registered phone numbers (home & cellular).

• Classifications

Regardless of an offender’s age, any sexual offense subjects the offender to register as a sexually oriented offender. Crimes that are not explicitly sexual in nature but have a sexual motivation are also included in the sex offender registration statute, Section 2950.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.

TIER III OFFENDER

Offenders in this tier must register every ninety (90) days and must do so for life. Violators convicted of the following offenses of the Ohio Revised Code must register at this tier:

• Rape

• Sexual Battery

• Aggravated Murder with sexual motivation

• Murder with sexual motivation

• Unlawful death with sexual motivation

• Kidnapping of a minor to engage in sexual activity

• Gross sexual imposition, child under 12

• Kidnapping of a minor

• Felonious assault with sexual motivation

• Sexual offense committed by Tier 2 or Tier 3 offender

• Attempt, complicity or conspiracy of an of these offenses

TIER II OFFENDER

Tier 2 offenders are required to register every six months and must do so for twenty-five (25) years. Tier 2 offenders are those convicted of any of the following:

• Compelling prostitution

• Pandering obscenity involving a minor

• Pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor

• Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance

• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor – offender 4 years older than victim

• Gross sexual imposition – victim under 13

• Child endangering

• Kidnapping with sexual motivation

• Kidnapping victim over 18

• Abduction with sexual motivation

• Sexual offense committed by Tier 1 offender

• Attempt, complicity or conspiracy of an of these offenses

TIER I OFFENDER

An offender in Tier 1 must register every year and must do so for fifteen years. Offenders convicted of these offenses are categorized as Tier 1:

• Importuning

• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor – offender less than 4 years older than victim

• Voyeurism

• Sexual imposition

• Gross sexual imposition

• Child enticement with sexual motivation

• Pandering obscenity

• Menacing by stalking with sexual motivation

• Unlawful restraint with sexual motivation

• Child victim-offender not in Tier 2 or 3

• Attempt, complicity or conspiracy of an of these offenseshing more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.