A Level 1 offender means that the court has determined that there is a low risk to commit another sex crime. A Level 2 offender means that the court has determined that there is a moderate risk to commit another sex crime. A Level 3 offender means that the court has determined that there is a high risk to commit another sex crime.

Where an offender is in jail or prison for a sex offense, the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders recommends to the court which risk level should be given to an offender. Where an offender does not receive jail/prison time or receives probation plus jail/prison time, the District Attorney recommends to the court which risk level should be given to an offender. The court makes the final decision.

A sexual predator is a sex offender who has been found guilty of a sexually violent offense and who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes him or her likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses. A sexual predator must register for life.

A sexually violent offender is a sex offender who has been found guilty of a sexually violent offense. A sexually violent offender must register for life.

A predicate sex offender is a sex offender who has been found guilty of two or more sex crimes. A predicate sex offender must register for life.

A Level 1 offender (low risk) must register for twenty years or for life, and Level 2 (moderate risk) and Level 3 (high risk) offenders must register for life. For more information, View Risk Level Designation page.

The Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) does not limit where a sex offender can live. However, if the sex offender is on parole or probation, the terms of the offender's parole or probation may limit where he or she can live.

Additionally, there may be local laws in a particular county, town or village limiting where a registered sex offender may live or travel. For information regarding local laws, it is recommended that you contact the county, town or village in which you are interested.

The failure to register is a felony. If found guilty, a sex offender could spend at least one year in prison.

The Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act, which took effect on April 28, 2008, requires all registered sex offenders to report to DCJS all of their internet accounts and any e-mail addresses and screen names used for the purposes of chat, instant messaging or social networking.  This information is not generally available to the public.  However, DCJS is allowed, upon request, to give the internet information to social networking websites that have members under the age of 18.

The Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act, which took effect on April 28, 2008, requires all registered sex offenders to report to DCJS all of their internet accounts and any e-mail addresses and screen names used for the purposes of chat, instant messaging or social networking. The Act does not limit a sex offender's use of the Internet.  However, if the sex offender is on probation or parole, the terms of the offender's parole or probation may limit his or her use of the Internet.

There is a free 800 # Information Line, which a person can call to find out if an individual is listed in the Registry. DCJS also has a public website which shows Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders. Local law enforcement agencies may also tell the community about level 1, level 2 and level 3 sex offenders who live in their area.

As required by law, a caller must give his or her name and address. This information is taken to see if anyone is abusing the telephone service. It is not given to the sex offender. A caller is also asked to give his or her telephone number so that if the call is disconnected for any reason, the operator can call the person back to give the information.

As required by law, the DCJS can only show Level 2 and Level 3 offenders on the public website.

A sex offender must give (in writing) DCJS his or her new address no later than 10 days after moving. If you have information, you should contact the Registry at 518-457-3167 or infodcjs@dcjs.state.ny.us.

If you call the 800# Information Line, and an individual is a Level 1 or Level 2 offender, you will be able to find out information about the sex offender including the crime committed, terms of the offender's parole or probation, and the offender's zip code. If the offender is a Level 3, you will be able to find out the same information as described above, plus the exact address of the individual.

If your local police department chooses to tell the community about sex offenders living in the area, the same information which is available via the 800# Information Line for Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 offenders may be released by law enforcement.

You should not scare them with details. Tell them they should stay away from that individual and tell you about any situations that make them feel uncomfortable. You can view safety measures on DCJS's website under Missing Children/Safety.

The purpose of the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) is to keep the public safe. Anyone receiving information may tell others. However, this information must be used responsibly. The information must used not be used to harass or commit a crime against any person.

An individual, who is adjudicated, such as a youthful offender or juvenile delinquent, is not convicted of a crime and his or her records are not available to the public. As a result, he or she is not required to be registered in New York State. However, a juvenile offender, who is convicted of a sex crime, is required to register.

See Information for Victims for more information on where you can seek help.

Many employers must obtain fingerprints and do background checks for certain occupations (such as teachers, school bus drivers). If an individual has been found guilty of certain crimes, he or she will not be hired. Additionally, the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) does not allow a sex offender to work on an ice-cream truck.

DCJS cannot provide legal advice about the rights and duties of a landlord. You should contact an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, you may contact the New York Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service. The number is 1-800-342-3661.

Yes. You can view the entire law on DCJS's website under Information for Attorneys.

You may visit the New York State Department of Correctional Services' website, which allows you to obtain information about inmates who are in a New York State prison.