Moving for Removal From the Sex Offender Registry

Placement on the Sex Offender Registry in Michigan limits a person’s employability. Additionally, a person registering under SORA might be unable to live near a school or watch their children’s school activities.

Petitioning For Removal From Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry

As one of the most well-known Criminal Defense Law Firms in the State of Michigan, we frequently get calls from individuals interested in requesting removal from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry (SORA). Determining whether someone is eligible for removal is highly complex, and there are no easy answers. The following information may give you some guidance that you can use to determine whether it would be worth investing in a lawyer for a more formal assessment.

Who is eligible to petition for removal from Sex Offender Registration?

Those convicted of engaging in consensual sexual activity with a teenager who was less than four years younger than the offender and at least 13 years old. This is known as the Romeo & Juliet situation. Juveniles who were adjudicated or convicted as a minor and were under the age of 14 at the time of the offense. Finally, juveniles aged 14 to 16 years old who were adjudicated as a minor and the offense was a Tier I or Tier II offense.

Who is eligible to Petition for a Shorter Registration?

Juveniles aged 14 to 16 who committed a Tier III offense and who have not reoffended are required to register for life on the non-public registry. These individuals can petition for removal from the nonpublic registry after 25 years. Finally, all Tier I offenders must register for 15 years but may petition for removal after 10 years if they have not reoffended.

Should I hire a lawyer and, if so, what type of lawyer should I hire?

Individuals who are currently on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry may only submit a petition for removal ONCE. Failure to complete a petition properly or failure to properly advocate a petition can be permanently fatal. If you are going to attempt to get removed from the registry, you need expert representation. There are times to bargain hunt, and there are times when only the best will do. If you represent yourself, you are expected to conduct yourself as an attorney and follow the same general rules as an attorney.

If you are interested in hiring LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to do a formal evaluation of your options, please call for a consultation. We will take the time to speak with you, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

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.