Risk Classification

In the State of Georgia, the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board (SORRB) is responsible for determining the likelihood that a convicted sex offender will engage in another crime against a victim who is a minor or commit a new, dangerous sexual offense. This process is called Risk Classification, also known as leveling.

Helpful Terms and Definitions

Convicted sex offenders’ Risk Classifications are listed on individual profiles on the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's searchable Sex Offender Registry.

Registry

Understanding Levels

Level 1

Level 1 sex offenders have an “average” or lower risk of sexually re-offending.

Individuals with a Level 1 risk classification tend to have little or no identifiable risk factors, such as few previous non-sexual crimes or few or no probation or parole violations.

Level 2

Level 2 sex offenders have an “above average” risk of sexually re-offending. They are 2 to 3 times as likely to sexually re-offend as an offender with an average risk.

Individuals with a Level 2 risk classification tend to have some identifiable risk factors, such as more than one sex offense, deviant sexual interests, a history of non-sexual crimes, or some probation violations.

Sexually Dangerous Predator (SDP)

SDP sex offenders have a “well above average” risk of sexually re-offending. They are 3 to 8 times as likely to sexually re-offend as an offender with an average risk.

Individuals with a Sexually Dangerous Predator risk classification tend to have multiple identifiable risk factors, such as multiple sex offenses, deviant sexual interests, a history of non-sexual violence, a substantial criminal history, or repeated probation or parole violations.

Alternative Type: "Not Leveled"

An offender's profile may be listed as Not Leveled. "Not leveled" means that SORRB has not yet reviewed the case.

Alternative Type: "Cannot Level (CNL)"

When an offender's profile is listed as Cannot Level (CNL), this means the case did not meet the legal criteria for risk classification at the time of review.

Read more about "Cannot Level (CNL)."

What Goes Into a Risk Classification

The Board conducts this assessment using all information available, including information gathered from the criminal history, law enforcement, the courts, prison records, community supervision (probation or parole), and sex offender treatment documentation. 

The information is used to score standardized risk assessment instruments and to consider any additional factors that might impact risk. At the end of this assessment, sex offenders are classified as Level 1, Level 2, or Sexually Dangerous Predator (SDP).

Risk classifications can be used to adjust community supervision levels, tailor sex offender treatment plans, and inform the public. When properly understood and implemented, levels can help correctional organizations and treatment providers decide on the types and measures of services shown to be related to reductions in sexual reoffending.

 

View all Offenders' Resources

Can a Risk Classification Be Requested?

Offenders or their attorneys may request an expedited classification for cases not currently considered a priority, with certain requirements. Use the link to check your eligibility.

Request Expedited Classification

Is Reevaluation Possible?

Sex offenders who have been classified as Level 2 or Sexually Dangerous Predator (SDP) may petition the Board to reevaluate their risk classification level within 30 days of the date on the Notification Letter.

Request Reevaluation

Are Future Level Reviews Possible?

Ten years after the initial SORRB classification and every 5 years thereafter, Level 2 or SDP offenders can request a review of their level.

Request a 10-Year Review

Who SORRB Levels

The Board evaluates some sexual offenders for risk classification.

By law, SORRB must classify:

  1. Anyone convicted of a “[sexual] Criminal Offense Against a Victim Who is a Minor,” as listed in OCGA §42-1-12(a)9.
  2. Anyone convicted of a “Dangerous Sexual Offense,” as listed in OCGA §42-1-12(a)10.
  3. Any sexual offender who changes residence from outside of the state of Georgia to Georgia.
  4. Anyone that a superior court judge orders SORRB to classify.

The Board does not classify:

  • Persons convicted of a sexual offense in Georgia and released from prison or placed on probation or community supervision before July 1, 1996, AND who are not currently required to register as a sexual offender
  • Juveniles prosecuted in juvenile court and who are not currently required to register as a sexual offender

Sex offenders who do not qualify for risk classification under the law must petition the court for an order for SORRB to level them.

Note: The laws regarding whom SORRB must level have changed recently. The exact criteria SORRB used depended on the law that was current when SORRB reviewed the case. As a result, some sex offenders will not automatically receive a risk classification, including:

  • Individuals convicted before July 1, 2006, of a sex offense against an adult victim
  • Individuals convicted before July 1, 2006, of a sex offense against a child victim AND who are not still incarcerated on or after July 1, 2006

See also "What SORRB Doesn't Do."

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SORRB's Process, Step-by-Step:

  1. Cases are referred to SORRB from several sources, including the Clerk of Courts and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
  2. Once a case is received by SORRB, necessary relevant documents are gathered for the purpose of evaluation. Documentation includes the offender's national criminal history, police incident reports for sexual or violent offenses, court documents (such as indictments and sentencing), and information from the Department of Corrections (GDC) or the Department of Community Supervision (DCS).
  3. A SORRB clinical evaluator reviews and considers all the available information related to an offender’s risk to sexually re-offend. The evaluation is summarized in a Risk Assessment Classification Report.
  4. SORRB Board Members review the Risk Assessment Classification Report for each offender and collectively determine the risk classification level at monthly Board meetings. Offenders are identified by a case number during Board meetings, which are viewable by the public via live streaming, but not open to participation. 
  5. Following a meeting, SORRB sends a Notification Letter containing the leveling decision to each sex offender, as well as to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Department of Corrections (GDC), the Department of Community Supervision (DCS), the Sheriff's Office of the county where the sexual offender is registered, and the sentencing court, if applicable. Offenders’ risk classification information is made available to the public through the GBI’s Sex Offender Registry.