Arizona HB 2613, promoted by House Speaker Rusty Bowers, would enable persons required to register as sex offenders to seek relief from lifetime registration by applying to be removed when they turn 35. It would apply only in situations where the offender was younger than 22 at the time and the victim was at least 15 if the sexual contact was consensual. It also would apply to things like trying to lure a minor for sex if it turns out that the “victim” was actually a peace officer posing as someone at least 15 (Note: now watch law enforcement switching to 14).
It would also would be limited to those convicted of one offense involving a single victim and cannot have been convicted of any other felony for at least 10 years after being sentenced. Aside from having to meet the conditions, the final decision rests with a judge to be convinced that the person has changed.
This bill is a good sign that the legislature in Arizona realizes that youthful mistakes should not carry lifetime consequences. Hopefully the bill passes.
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