Hi Susan, I don't know what the rules are. They seem to change and vary from state to state. My son is in Ohio and if he had been convicted before Jan., 2008 he would have been on the list for a shorter amount of time. But now it is life. But I can't even say that's for sure because I have read conflicting information. Sometimes I want to scream because people can and do change. Why can't our guys be given a second or even third chance. I do have to tell you that there are many groups out there working hard towards getting these laws changed. It is an uphill battle but it is going on so don't despair.
I am sorry about your husband. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Donna

Hi Susan.....Like Donna said it must differ in different states. We are in Kansas and my son has to register for 10 years.

His original sentence was 25 years....but he won his Appeal and only spent 3 yrs. My understanding if you accept a deal then you do not have a chance at Appeal. And if it goes to trial you have between 30 60 days to file the motions for a appeal.

If you need anymore info....please feel free to post your question or send me a message.

Love and prayers for a great outcome!
Love Rhea

Susan;
Here in Canada the laws are a lot different. My DH took a plea and is on the National registry (SOIRA) for 10 years and the Ontario one (we just found out he has to register on it too??? ....Christopher's Law) for 10 years as well. BUT....after 5 years he can apply to be taken off of the registries!!! (even though he took a plea) As well, he may go back to court and appeal with his PO or lawyer to have his conditional sentence, probationary period or both shortened or to be over. I would contact the registry in your state and ask them these sort of questions. Also, I do know that it depends on how the Judge writes the mandate.....just learned that today. I have been calling all over the place for answers to these sort of questions ..... it takes time and a lot of patience. I would wait to see what kind of deal comes his way 1st. Good luck and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! ~HUGS~

I will be joining you in prayers, Susan, for those miracles....Love, Barbara

Im not sure about other states either. Im from Kansas also and my registry time is 10 years. For other offenders Im not sure, I cant say I actually kow any in person. In the town closest to me a teacher was sentenced for having sex with a special ed student. I dont remember her sentence but she has since moved away. there have been several other cases involving 20-40 year old men with pre-teen age girls. Not sure what they ended up with. Im thinking though that if it was an out and out violent attack that was proven without a shadow of a doubt its life registry. If it was, for example, a 16 year old boy with his 15 year old girlfriend Im thinking it wasnt life registry. Jeez, there are so many variables with "sex crimes"...how could they ever think lumping everyone in the same catagory is fair..

Susan,
I'm so sorry that your husband said that to you when you are already stressed and upset from the situation. I'm praying that God will help your husband understand that when he sets those conditions it puts you in a horrible place and as your son's Mom you need to stand by him and as your "for better or worse" husband he needs to do the same for you.
I told my husband, who is not my son's dad, that if he doesn't choose to be involved and is going to cause problems we need to get our lives worked out and settled before my son gets home. He has said he will be here to help my son and support him while he is adjusting and getting on his feet. We shall see....but he knows what path I will take if he doesn't come through.

Susan, keep us informed and we are praying for you and your family.

Take Care of Yourself,

Hi again, my son has exposed himself and he has to register for life. Never touched a child. Not a good thing to do obviously but not a violent offender. The problem is that he is in Ohio and they are the first and at this time I believe only state to enact the Adam Walsh laws. I would suggest to any of you who live in a state that is thinking of enacting these laws that you fight it. I guess states will lose federal funding if they don't enact the law. But it is much tougher on any SO regardless of what they have done. Even if a person has offended before the law goes into effect they still have to register for a much longer time.
Donna

I agree with Donna. I think I have said this before but, anytime you hear a local news report about sex offenders go to that station's website and there will be people commenting on the story. Establish an ID for yourself and become an advocate for all our loved ones and state facts that most of the others commenting are ignorant of. If you want to contact me I can e-mail you some information that I have posted and letters I have written to everyone from state and U.S. senators and reps, Attorney General, etc.

We have to do our part to help the public understand the problem and the impact of the laws. Sorry if I sound agressive but, there is a gross public misunderstanding and the politicans are not going to address it.

Here in Texas, my husband took a plea and is serving 2 yrs. jail and life time on SOL. He had approx. 30 pictures of teen-age girls ( child pornography). Bell

Hi everyone, Here in NY, I am a Level 1, and Level ones have to register for 10 years, you can appeal once each year to be removed but it never happens. Level 2, and 3s have to register for Life, and can not appeal to be removed. I to never had contact with a chile, just made some really poor decisions on the internet. Very frustrating that I ruined my life by pressing keys, and downloading. I was 36 should have known better, I cry everyday, and have lost everything. I barely have the will to live, and who knows that might slip away in 2010 as well. I wish all of you, your families, and your loved ones who are incarserated peace and prayer. This is a no win situation for all involved.

Steven

My fiance is a level 3 in MA and he has 10 years (1 down,9 to go) probation and lifetime on the registry. I hope your husband understands that without having someplace to live that your son would probably end up homeless. A significant number of sex offenders in Boston are listed as having the large homeless shelter as their permanent address since it's hard for them to get jobs and, as a group, they tend to be shunned. I send blessings and prayers to you and all here on the board who need them .

Steven,
Please do things for me today. Contact a therapist or minister and make an appointment to talk with them and read the book of Job in the Bible. He lost everything and felt as though his life was over. Come back here and tell me what his outcome was.

Please take care of yourself and we are here for you.