Comments that are not specific to a certain post should go here, for the month of May 2024. Contributions should relate to the cause and goals of this organization and please, keep it courteous and civil. This section is not intended for posting links to news articles without additional relevant comment.
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I emailed the state DOJ asking about my tier assignment in light of the recent Los Angeles agreement. I’ve had no response after a week. I have an attempt conviction but am still classified as tier 2. I wonder what the status may be of moving attempt convicted registrants to tier 1.
I’m not sure where to post this, but I am planning on moving to Las Vegas next month. I am not on probation and I have a statutory charge age 16. Would I have any restrictions on where I live or is that for people on probation only. Thank you 🙏
As anyone run into or heard of caselaw or legal deliberation or decisions regarding stopovers where a the plane or vessel is not left and without leaving the plane or vessel, is it considered international travel if that is not your final destination and you do not leave the plane or vessel?
Thank you.
So does a 17b reduction affect your tier assignment? I’m still not clear on that. Discussion from last month seems to say it does.
Last year I emailed the DOJ about me being tier 3 but also sent a copy of the 17b reduction. They mailed me back a letter affirming my tier 3 assignment. Seems like they just go with the original conviction.
Is there any way for anyone to get their tier reassessed?
I’m quite amazed at how many school teachers are getting in trouble for sex offenses. Using Google I can find articles where there were one or two reports in the last 5 years where a teacher was fired in nearly every school district in my general nearby metropolitan area for such conduct. They don’t all make statewide or national news but seem to be covered somewhere, in some cases local city/county news sources. Not all happened with students (some are stings and such) but clearly the registry is not working for keeping the offenders out of the schools. The schools surely have a real problem the registry is not solving nor is it capable of ever doing so yet every time this kind of thing happens they need to somehow strengthen the failure.
I am looking for a sex offense lawyer in North Carolina to answer some questions I have on relocating there from California. I would prefer the name, email and/or phone of someone you have worked with. I have not had return calls from anyone currently listed on this website so I need someone proactive. Any suggestions are welcome.
I am looking for advice regarding applying to get off New York State’s (I was awarded my Tier 1 by a NYS Superior Court Judge in early 2011 in Lower Manhattan, NYC, and I Left NYS and the United States three days after (in early 2019) NYC’S SOMU completely deregistered me from the State’s Registry due to my informing them that I would not return until after the 20 years was up on my Level 1) Registry, COMPLETELY, since I am still overseas!!!!!!!
I have 7 more years left until my 20 years expires in early 2031…
Can Someone PLEASE tell me if I can do it, myself from overseas, or if an attorney must file the petition for me?
Please HELP!
I’m FTR this month, quarterly. I found my first reporting form which list my offense date as Dec 2005. I plan on making a copy to submit when I report. Early on, the sheriff’s office changed my offense date to Jan 2006. (Early on, I was too freaked out about having to do time to pay attention to that). I don’t know of that offense date would change any reporting requirements, since the Jan 1, 2024 memo has gotten any real traction for us here in Michigan. At this point, not sure it would amount to anything until we get a letter from state of Michigan.
Hello wanted to see if someone could give advice on domestic travel I’m in Cali and a tier 1 registry not on probation or parole and I’m thinking of going to Vegas soon but seeing a lot of different things online about how the traveling works and trying to see if someone can help me out Thank you in advance.
Decided to take my 17 month old grandson to the park today. I’ve red my 290 restrictions many times as I have been doing this for 7 years. We got there and there were kids playing in the smaller slide area so I took him to the slide meant for older kids. After a couple of minutes he wanted to go the smaller kids area, can’t blame him it was easier for him to move around.
So we walked back over, no kids were using it at this time, so I was felt free to be over there. After about 20 minutes of play he was ready to go home. In that time of playing I noticed that all the kids and parents had moved to a Different area. This out an uneasy feeling in my mind and gut.
So as my Grandson and I crossed the street to go home, I noticed to police cars pull up and park. That feeling in my gut got worse, and confirmed when one of the officers called me by name and asked me to stop.
I then had to stand there holding my Grabdson and talk to one officer about my registration requirements while the other officer called into the station to check my status and restrictions.
Not Only did I adhere to and mind my many probation rules to completion which ended 4 years ago, I have gone back to court, had my felony reduced to a misdemeanor and had my record expunged. Now here I am being stopped and questioned l, meant to feel like I am still a criminal, 7 years after leaving jail.
When the officers left I wanted to ask them if they could now go and inconvenience the people who called me in for doing something I have every right to do. But I kept my mouth shut and held back my tears so my Grandson would never know how uncomfortable I was.
I want this nightmare to end. You can’t tell me that registration isn’t a punishment. I felt it today more than ever. What a nice reminder that I made a mistake that I can never live down.
That warrants a complaint. There are no presence restrictions in California. Since you mentioned 290, I am assuming you are in California. The police had NO right to harass you, and no parents had ANY right to call the police. You did nothing wrong and were approached by police without probable cause. What did they ask you? You should have called an attorney on the spot, but I know why you felt you just wanted this to pass. The registry IS PUNISHMENT, and stories like these make my blood boil. Enough is enough!
I was invited to attend a motorsport event in Florida but sadly had to decline. It would have spanned too many days and I would have been required to register there. There is no way in hell I’m going to do that. I made an excuse (Aren’t we all a bit tired of making excuses to avoid these types of moments) and was extended an invite for the event next yr. Since I plan on being removed by this time in ‘25, I am tempted to attend. Problem is that in Florida they don’t recognize you being relieved in another state. This is just wrong. If I am not residing in a state, then why should I have to be subject to that state’s registration requirements, as ridiculous as they are. They don’t re-arrest a person for a crime if they are off probation/parole just because that state has different sentencing guidelines than another. So again we as PFRs are subject to a unique system designed to suppress and vilify us, even though we have been recognized as serving our penance by both the federal and our state’s governments.
Any thoughts are welcome.
Yesterday I received a phone call from an unrecognized local number. I did not answer it as I never answer any not in my contact list.
The caller left a voice mail so I checked it. The caller referred me by name and said he was Sgt. [name withheld] from the [county withheld] registration office and to please call him back at that same number he called me on.
Now, red flags popped up as to why he would not be calling from my Sheriffs Office. Also, I have always said and many have agreed that the scammers never leave a message. So I called back out of curiosity but also just in case it was a real Sheriff.
He said thanks for calling me back on that same number (no caller ID) and and asked me to hold on so he could transfer the call over to the Sheriffs Office number. Another number popped up displaying as from my county’s’ Sheriff Office and with the correct number. The fact that he didn’t call on the official number to begin with was the second red flag.
He calls me by name and had my address and stated he saw I have had a swab DNA test done but new regulations called for a hair DNA test. That was red flag 3 and 4 as one, I have never had a swab DNA test, only had blood drawn 24 years ago and two, the 4th flag was that I am due to do my annual registration next week and I wondered why he wouldn’t wait until then.
I was waiting for him to state that I had a warrant or needed to pay or needed whatever but I just said this is weird. He replied what’s weird? I then stated I am going to hang up and call you back at the Sheriffs Office number and hung up.
I then called my Sheriffs Office and asked for the Sgt by the name he gave me and was told that is not a person who worked there. I explained to her what happened and said yes we know about that and it was a scam.
So, I still will say not to answer any call from someone not on your contact list but also that scammers may leave a message and also to again reiterate that if they want us they won’t call they will come get us.
That is the first time in 24 years that a scammer ever left me a message.
Some context to my post yesterday.
I have never touched or hurt a child. I was arrested in an internet sting. I didn’t go down to meet anyone. Police from San Diego county came up to arrest me in Orange County for intent to entice.
I never agreed to or asked to meet, they did on multiple occasions and every time I said no. I believed the whole time I was talking to an adult who was pretending to be a kid.
Because I was a high school football coach this became a big story. With a lot of false narratives thrown out by the arresting officer to the media that they ran with.
I was in jail in sd county. Separated from my family, Unable to pay bail, a quarter of a million, and the DA offered 4.5 months. Said if I didn’t take it they were going after 21 years. That would have meant missing out on all my families life experience, sporting events, graduations, marriages. So against my better judgement, with my public attorney telling me to, I took the plea.
I am so not who they portrayed, and still portray me as.
For real does anyone actually have hope that this lifetime registration will end? Not the registry in whole cause let’s face it, this is their cash cow providing nonstop funding!! But yes a couple states like Montana that said no to the lifetime registration when the original time was 10 years but does anyone believe that it will happen like in 42 been doing this for 22 years it was supposed to be 10 and I think I’ll die on this list 😵💫
Wow so I just found out today that in Canada The sex offender registry is not public and can only be accessed by Canadian police agencies. Some international police agencies may be provided with information from the database if it meets specific criteria. But in America we get put on the front lines and harassed and etc for it were so behind the 8 ball is ridiculous
Funny you say that about the scammers back, I got the call 2 days after I registered, Same thing they left a message, I called not knowing what, They are good, but I knew right away , because I started grilling him , when he started to threaten me, well lets just say , those new Ocean Horns work well out of the box and I ended the call with some words the the good oh lord would not be pleased with me. But I justified it with saying to myself, I dont think he was able to hear me anyways.
Hey everyone. Since I tend to keep my questions about Michigan, how do I place the Michigan DOES III heading so I can keep focused. Thanks in advance
A 54 yr old man in Louisiana is being castrated and incarcerated for 50 yrs for repeatedly raping a 14 yr old and threats to harm her and her family if she told. The man has plead guilty. I’m on the fence about the decision. 50 yrs is a life sentence for him. Why then castrate. And if you castrate, then why have such a long sentence.
ACSOL Community, please see the legal updates from Adele Nicholas in IL (received via IL Voices email):
We’re continuing our fight for more just and equitable laws for people on the registry and their families in Illinois. One important part of our strategy is litigation challenging the constitutionality of these laws in court. We’re writing to share a few recent legal wins and important updates.
If you have questions about any of these cases, the best way to contact me is via email to adele@civilrightschicago.com.
Potkaj v. Watkins: Probationers can live at the same address as another person on the registry.
The court entered a permanent injunction prohibiting probation departments statewide from enforcing 730 ILCS 5/5-6-3 (a). This law prohibited individuals on probation who have to register from residing “at the same address or in … the same condominium complex or apartment complex with another person” who is on the registry. As a result of the injunction, people on probation can more easily find housing. For example, they can now live in an apartment building where another registrant already resides.The case builds on our win last year in the case Barnes v. Jeffreys in which the Court invalidated a similar law that applied to individuals on parole or mandatory supervised release. McFarland v. Kelly: Ten year registrants can contest the extension of their registration.
Under the Illinois Sex Offense Registration Act (“SORA”), individuals convicted of certain sex offenses are required to register for a period of ten years. SORA requires the Illinois State Police to extend this registration period for an additional ten years if an individual “fails to comply” with any aspect of the registry.As a matter of practice, ISP automatically extends the registration period whenever the local registration authority changes an individual’s registration status to “location unknown” or “non-compliant.” Sometimes, local police get it wrong. We argued that a registrant should have the opportunity to challenge the extension if they have proof that they didn’t actually fail to register. The ISP has agreed to change its practices. Between now and August 2025, ISP will send written notice to everyone whose registration period was extended between July 14, 2018, and April 14, 2024. The notice will advise that they are entitled to petition the ISP to review the circumstances surrounding the extension, and that if there is insufficient evidence to determine whether substantial justice has been done, they may request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Anyone who was extended during this period will have an opportunity to ask for review and reconsideration of the extension. Going forward, ISP will provide written notice to individuals whose registration period was extended. This notice will advise the registrant that they have a right to petition for review of the circumstances surrounding the extension, and that if there is insufficient evidence to determine whether substantial justice has been done, they may request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If you are a ten-year registrant with questions about this agreement, please feel free to reach out. Montoya v. Hughes: Greater protection for parents on parole
Illinois law prohibits registrants on parole or mandatory supervised release from having contact with minors without permission from their supervising agentA group of moms and dads challenged the constitutionality of the IDOC’s policy for restricting contact between parents and their minor children.The Seventh Circuit recently found the policy unconstitutional in part. The Department is not permitted to automatically cut off phone contact and written contact between parents and their children. We are evaluating potential additional litigation on behalf of parents on MSR. If this policy affects you or your family, please feel free to reach out. Challenges to Local Residency Ordinances in Illinois
Several Illinois cities and towns have decided to impose additional restrictions on where people on the registry may reside on top of the 500-foot banishment zones already imposed under state law.We are committed to stopping the spread of these ordinances and are supporting litigation against the City of Rockford and the City of North Chicago.We don’t have decisions in either case yet, but if you are affected by these ordinances (or other local residency restriction ordinances), please feel free to get in touch. We appreciate your continued support in this fight.
Keep the faith,
Adele
As long as one is not interfering with LE in the execution of their duties, one can actively question and record them, both by court precedent of being constitutionally protected:
South Carolinians can question police without being arrested, SC Supreme Court rules (The State via Yahoo 8 May 2024)
SC Supreme Court: Greenville man’s conviction of interfering with 2018 arrest overturned (Greenville News via Yahoo 8 May 2024)
Why is this important here in the forum? Because, as much LE interaction PFRs seem to get at times, it is good to know and remember where the boundary lines of what LE cannot do need to be known and refreshed to protect PFRs. I say those who are not PFRs but are with them should know what they can do to record and ask about the interactions without issue. Of course, PFRs should do the same as they can.
Oh, btw, the gent in this SC case got a high six-figure civil suit settlement.
After 25 years I don’t really have much to say about the whole situation anymore. Today my 62yo co-worker told me, I was still young and had a lot of more life ahead of me.
I thought to myself, yeah a lot more life of pure unadulterated Hell, if I don’t get off this registry soon.
We’ve discussed facial recognition here in the forum before. Now coming to find 14 Sens in Congress want to stop it’s rollout at TSA points until it’s fully vetted by them for approval to use. “Facial recognition “poses significant threats to our privacy and civil liberties, and Congress should prohibit TSA’s development and deployment of facial recognition tools until rigorous congressional oversight occurs,”
Hey, it’s no worse then a registry pic which does the same thing under a non-punishing situation!
When I,am off the registry in 2 more years will I be able to travel freely in the States and Internationally?
Recently, here in Omaha Nebraska, new registrants have been receiving calls on their cell phones. The number shows the local sheriff department number and the caller identifies themselves as law enforcement. the are telling people that they have failed to register and unless they send money, a warrant will be put out for them. I thought I would share this scam with you/