Families of SOs Community Group

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joehillsghost 05/19/2015

I was sentenced today...four years probation, with 100 hours community service, and sex offender registration for 25 years (should the laws remain unchanged). My attorney noted that I scored very low on a scale of risk of reoffending. The judge had good things to say as well. Notably, he said the most significant punishment was the sex offender registration requirement (I did not remind him that the Supreme Court does not think the registry is a form of punishment.) Next, I have to meet with the probation officer to set the terms of the probation (he was out of the office today). Hopefully, I'll be able to continue to be part of this group. I appreciate the support, information, and kind words over the past few months. Peace.

october2014 05/19/2015

Stick around if you can; everyone has a different piece of the puzzle.

rewdiazepam 05/19/2015

Joe,

These entire situations are always best when compartmentalized and separated into milestones.

You have reached another milestone, in that you at least now know what your sentence is. The next milestone is to get started off on the right foot with the PO.

You will do well. You are an intelligent young man and have a lot going for you. Take one day at a time and keep your faith.

Hang around the group. We need you.

God bless you,

rewdiazepam

westdenali 05/19/2015

That is the hardest part is the not knowing. Now you know you have to do 4 years probation. Thats good. On the other hand....its 4 years of government scrutiny.

I wish you the best.

I agree with Rew by getting on the right foot with PO. They have more power than the police!

Advocate2 05/20/2015

Thank goodness there is no prison time - congratulations on that! 4 years is doable for probation - like you said the registry is the worst - it is nice that they give it a time frame? Was it actually part of your sentence? At least like everyone says that hurdle is past and now on to the next - we are with you!

ThoughtAsWeak 05/20/2015

Great news that you avoided prison, and I hope your PO allows you to continue to get support from this site.

Independent2014 05/20/2015

Probation is tough, but you can do it. Put your head down get to work and it'll be over before you know it. The best advice I can give you is to kiss the ring of your PO. Definitely stand your ground and admit nothing, but try and jump through every hoop they set for you. For me that was having a stable, approved living environment. Then it was finishing therapy as fast as I could, which was a pain in the arse. Gain and keep employment, again tougher as a RSO but not impossible. Do something to set yourself up for future success, a trade, or go to college, or intern, something to show that you are building yourself up to be successful in the future. Above all else, follow every stupid rule of probation requirements, never lie to your PO, and never do anything you need to feel guilty about on your poly. The poly is tough enough if you've done nothing wrong, I cannot imagine doing it knowing I had a secret to hide.

You will get through this! 4 years will fly by!

-Independent

Independent2014 05/20/2015

Oh and admit nothing to your polygrapher! A monotone, "okay" to when they say something, if they keep on pressing admit nothing!

joehillsghost 05/20/2015

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm still waiting for the PO to return my call(s) to set up a meeting. I have met with him twice, for the pre-sentence investigation, but not since then.

I've been looking for work for the past few weeks, and have had a couple interviews, but nothing has panned out yet. I'm not worried about the next 25 years...that's nothing; one day is an eternity.

Independent2014 05/20/2015

One day at a time

joehillsghost 05/21/2015

One unpleasant surprise...the 25-year registry period doesn't begin until after the probation is over, so it will actually be 29 years, not 25. New math, I guess.

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