Judges use a grid that classifies offenses by level of severity to determine sentences for sex offenders.

After factoring in criminal history, judges have a range of possible prison time or probation for the offender. The defense may also request a “departure,” which would allow the judge to deviate from the sentencing grid. The state of Kansas mandates that offenders serve at least 85 percent of their sentence, with a possible 15 percent reduction for good behavior. In each case, the convicted must register as a sex offender for at least 10 years.

Here’s how the sentencing grid works across different sex offenses:

? Rape-Level I: Mandatory prison sentence, beginning at 12 years and ranging to more than 50 years.

? Criminal Sodomy-Level II: Mandatory prison sentence, ranging from about nine to 40 years.

? Sexual Battery-Level V: Probation of less than three years to a possible prison term of 11 years.