Removal from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry

If you are currently required to register as a sex offender, you may be eligible to petition for removal or a reduced registration period.

Who is eligible to petition for removal?

Under certain circumstances, a registrant can be eligible for removal from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Examples include:

Offenders who engaged in consensual sexual activity with a teenaged victim less than four years younger than them – also known as ROMEO & JULIET OFFENDERS

Juvenile offenders under the age of 14 who were not tried as an adult

Juveniles in the 14 to 16-year-old age group who were not tried as an adult and did not commit a TIER III offense

Who is eligible to petition for a shorter registration?

Juveniles aged 14-16 who committed a TIER III offense (see below) and who have not reoffended are required to register for life on the non-public registry, but may petition for removal after 25 years.

All Tier I offenders must register for 15 years but may petition for removal after 10 years if they have not reoffended, and the court determines removal would be just and equitable.

What is a Tier III Offense?

Gross indecency between males, victim under 13
Gross indecency between females, victim under 13
Gross indecency between male and female, victim under 13
Kidnapping committed against a minor
Kidnapping victim under 14
1st Degree CSC
2nd Degree CSC
3rd Degree CSC
4th Degree CSC if victim is under 18
Assault w/ Attempt to commit penetration
Assault w/ Attempt to commit a sexual touch
OR attempts or conspiracies for any of the above

What is a Tier I Offense?

A person who knowingly possesses any child sexually abusive material
Indecent exposure with fondling of self, if the victim is a minor
Unlawful imprisonment/restraint if the victim is a minor
4th Degree CSC if the victim is 18 or older
Assault w/ Attempt to commit (touch) if the victim is 18 or older
Surveillance of or distribution, dissemination, or transmission of recording, photograph, or visual image of individual having reasonable expectation of privacy, if the victim is a minor.
Anyone who was at the time of the offense is a sexually delinquent person
Catch-all provision

Who is a Romeo and Juliet Offender?

An individual currently required to register on Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry may petition for immediate removal from the registry, if the offense was the result of consensual sexual activity, and either:

The victim was at least 13 years old, but less than 16 years old, and the offender was not more than 4 years older than the victim.
The offender was convicted of (a) crime against nature or sodomy against victim under 18, or (b) gross indecency victim 13-17 years old, or (c) 2nd Degree CSC and “that other person is under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections and the actor is an employee or a contractual employee of, or a volunteer with, the department of corrections who knows that the other person is under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections,” AND the victim was 16 years or older at the time of the offense, AND the victim was not under the custodial authority of the offender at the time of the offense.

What should I do if I believe I am eligible for removal from the Michigan sex offender registry?

It is imperative that you hire the best lawyer you can to help you because individuals who are currently on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry may only submit a petition for removal once and only once. Although no lawyer can ethically guarantee that your petition for removal or a reduction will be successful, it is critically important to do everything right the first time to have the best chance of success.

Some cases can be complicated, and you may need to hire us to review your case for eligibility. In other cases, the options are evident, and we can help determine a strategy for you right away. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. looks forward to helping you with removal from the Sex Offender Registry or a petition for a shorter registration requirement.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.