3 Tips For Getting Removed From The Sex Offender Registry
If you have been convicted of a sex-related crime, there is a chance that you might have been added to the sex offender registry in your state. As you might already realize, being registered as a sex offender can impact your life in many ways. It can be hard to find housing or a job when you're listed on the sex offender registry, and you have to worry about the social stigma that can go along with being labeled a sex offender as well. If possible, you might be hoping to be removed from the list as soon as you can. These are some of the steps that you'll want to keep in mind if you want to be removed from the sex offender registry in your state.
1. Hire a Lawyer
It is important to be aware of the sex offender registry laws in your state if you are a registered sex offender. In some states, those who are deemed registered sex offenders are required to register for life and can therefore never be taken off of the registry. If you live in a state where sex offenders are allowed to be removed from the registry, and if your charge is eligible for removal from the registry, on the other hand, it might be an option. If you aren't sure, you can hire an attorney who specializes in sex crimes. He or she can tell you more about the laws in your state and can provide guidance while you're navigating the legal system and dealing with this tricky situation.
2. Stay Out of Trouble
The most important thing that you can focus on if you're hoping to be removed from the sex offender registry is avoiding getting in trouble. It is best to avoid getting into any sort of legal trouble while you're on the registry, particularly any trouble that could be considered a sex crime. This can not only help you avoid jail time and other similar consequences, but it may help you increase your chances of being removed from the sex offender registry, too.
3. Go Through the Petitioning Process
Lastly, you and your attorney can work together to go through the petitioning process so that you can try to get taken off of the sex offender registry. This varies from state to state, but you and your attorney might need to send paperwork to the court and attend a court hearing. Your sex crimes lawyer can help you through this process so that you can hopefully be removed from the registry and move on with your life.