Families of SOs Community Group
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Hi, all. I'm glad to have found this group. I am currently awaiting adjudication of charges against me for possession of child pornography in Nebraska. I was arrested in October and hope to have some resolution in the next month or so. My attorney (public defender) says I am a good candidate for probation, with no prior criminal record and good work history (though I have been unemployed since my arrest and am concerned about future prospects, living in a small town.) I hope he is right about this, but I am afraid about the possibility of many years in prison. I don't know if it helps that the prosecutor is also my next door neighbor.
My family has been very supportive, though they didn't know about my exact situation for nearly two months. I was absolutely scared witless about telling them and what their reaction would be. I should have been more forthcoming, a lot sooner. My brother, especially, has been very helpful and a wonderful support...he may have saved my life. As I have no immediate family within a four hour drive of where I live, I'm glad the provisions of my bond allow me to travel. As I will have to register as an SO, I worry about my future ability to fully participate in the life of my family.
Anyway, thanks for this group. I can fully attest to the importance of supportive family (and friends) for those in this situation. I hope for the best personally, but I don't know what to expect. Some days I'd like to go lose myself on a mountain...maybe I'll be eaten by a bear!
Keep in mind the words of the Mad Farmer: Be joyful though you know all the facts. And practice resurrection.
My family has been very supportive, though they didn't know about my exact situation for nearly two months. I was absolutely scared witless about telling them and what their reaction would be. I should have been more forthcoming, a lot sooner. My brother, especially, has been very helpful and a wonderful support...he may have saved my life. As I have no immediate family within a four hour drive of where I live, I'm glad the provisions of my bond allow me to travel. As I will have to register as an SO, I worry about my future ability to fully participate in the life of my family.
Anyway, thanks for this group. I can fully attest to the importance of supportive family (and friends) for those in this situation. I hope for the best personally, but I don't know what to expect. Some days I'd like to go lose myself on a mountain...maybe I'll be eaten by a bear!
Keep in mind the words of the Mad Farmer: Be joyful though you know all the facts. And practice resurrection.
We're in a similar position, with my son's attorney negotiating with the DA and expecting to reach a conclusion in the next month. Like you, he's probably facing probation and life on the registry, but we still don't know for sure or what life for him will be like in a month.
When my husband was arrested the worst part was the waiting. I hope and pray you get probation. Unfortunately for my husband, even though we were married for 14 years with 3 kids, held down the same job for 24 years and never had as much as a ticket the judge was forced to give him 3 years (I think its a law in the state we were living in that if you are arrested for possession of CP you have to do time). Well, he's actually up for probation and from what he's been told he should get a date soon (probably in April). We're going to have to deal with the reproductions of him being on the registry which scares me to death, but he was told by some inmates that are on the registry that they haven't been bothered. You are lucky to have the support of your family. It really does help.
You'll be in my prayers, as everyone here is. Just try to stay positive. We all feel like we are losing our minds and are hopeless one time or another...but we're all still here. The support of the people on this board helps a lot and reminds you you're not alone!
I'm also scared about the consequences of being on the registry. I don't know if I will (or want to) stay where I'm at, or try to seek a life elsewhere...when and if I can.
Needless to say you should verify that with an attorney who knows about these things. There are many who pretend.
Otherwise you might be interested in a possible bill in the CA legislature that would create Tier Levels and a way off the registry for some. California is one of 4 states where being on the registry is always a life time requirement. There are some ways for very low level offenses to petition off after 10 or so years, but that is very difficult. Since the beginning of last year CP offenses are excluded.
You should find out more at California RSOL and get involved.
Savannah, Starting his own business is a great idea. Jon has done the same thing and therefore does not have to disclose his personal information to just anyone. There are no laws in Floriduh stating that a SO can't have a business license and our business is doing well. I wish the same for you as well