First What is a Level 3 Sex Offender?
A Level 3 Sex Offender is the most serious classification of Sex Offender in Massachusetts. When you are convicted of a sexual offense you are normally required to register as a sex offender. When you register as a sex offender you have to await a decision by the Sex Offender Registry Board on whether you will be classified as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Sex Offender. The Board’s final decision on this matter could have huge repercussions for your future.
Why Is Being Classified as Level 3 Sex Offender So Serious?
Information about Level 3 Sex Offenders is publically available and you can obtain this information through a local police department or through the Sex Offender Registry. This information is made publicly available because a Level 3 Sex Offender is considered to have a high risk of offending and pose a high degree of risk to the public.
Unlike for Level 1 or 2 Sex Offenders, whose information can only be accessed in limited contexts, being classified as a Level 3 Sex Offender is life-changing as your information can be accessed by potential employers, family members and more.
Why Are People Classified as Level 3 Sex Offenders?
The Sex Offender Registry Board makes the final decision about whether someone will be classified as a Level 1, 2 or 3 Sex Offender. For example, they might consider if a person has committed a serious crime in the past. Recently Boston police arrested a Level 3 Sex Offender in connection with sexual assaults on the Boston University Campus and a reported rape. According to a report, Anthony Fauntazzi had been convicted in 2019 of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. This is an example of a serious sex offense which could have impacted the decision to classify Fauntazzi as a Level 3 Sex Offender.
When the Sex Offender Registry Board are making their decision, they are allowed to consider a huge amount of information such as previous offenses, victim impact statements, participation in programs and submissions about your lifestyle, drug use and more. If you are awaiting a decision by the Sex Offender Registry Board, you need an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney by your side to ensure that the decision is fair and to help you appeal the decision if necessary.
At Dhar Law, we believe everyone has the right to a fair trial and have years of experience defending people accused of the most serious sex offenses and sex crimes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately at (617) 880-6155 if you have been accused of a sex offense for which you may have to register as sex offender.