People v. Waterbury
This case involves an appeal by Alexander Waterbury from two County Court orders classifying him as a risk level two sex offender under New York's Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). Waterbury, who pleaded guilty to felonious sexual assault in New Hampshire involving a 14-year-old student he coached, sought a downward departure to risk level one. The Appellate Division, Third Department, reversed the lower court's decision, finding that Waterbury demonstrated mitigating factors not adequately considered by the Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI). These factors included positive psychometric test results indicating a low risk of reoffending, extensive expert opinions, and strong familial support. The Court concluded that the totality of circumstances warranted classifying Waterbury as a risk level one sex offender.