The Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act

 President George W. Bush signed the Adam Walsh Act into law. This set the standard for how law enforcement classifies sexual offenses. Under the federal Adam Walsh Act, sexual offenses are classified based on the crime committed, the nature of the crime, the age of the people involved, and whether or not the convicted sex offender is likely to commit the same type of offense again.


The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 established a comprehensive, national sex offender registration system called the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act or Michigan SORA.  SORA aims to close potential gaps and loopholes that existed under prior laws, and to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registrations.




If you’ve ever looked at the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, or researched someone who is listed as a sex offender, you probably noticed the ‘tier’ classification system. For people who aren’t familiar with the system, this can be a little confusing. So let’s take a look at what it means, and why we use this system for classifying sex offenders.

Tier One Offenses:

Indecent exposure with self fondling in front of a child

Possession of child sexually abusive material (child pornography or kiddie porn)

Unlawful imprisonment or restraint of a minor

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) 4th degree against a victim aged 18 or older

A sex offense committed by a sexually delinquent person

 

Tier Two Offenses:

Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes

Crime Against Nature or Sodomy, if the victim is younger than 18 but older than 13

Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree, if the victim is older than 13 but younger than 18

Distributing or Promoting Child Sexually Abusive Material

 

Tier Three Offenses:

Gross indecency against a victim under age 13

First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (rape, or any other forced sexual penetration)

Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Assault with intent to commit penetration (CSC 1st degree or CSC 3rd degree)

Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct against a victim younger than 13 years old


It should be noted that juveniles may be required to be listed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. If the juvenile is age 13 or younger at the time of the offense, then the juvenile is not required to register no matter what the offense is. 


It is a federal crime for an individual to knowingly fail to register or update his or her registration as required pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA).  For example, a sex offender is required to update their registration in each jurisdiction they reside, are employed, or attend school.  Offenders convicted of this crime face statutory penalties.

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