How Do I Get Off the Michigan Sex Offender Registry Early?
MICHIGAN SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry (SOR) is a state-run database that includes the names, addresses, and criminal sex convictions of everyone in Michigan convicted of an offense that requires registration. Those who are convicted must register their addresses with the Michigan State Police and must continually do so on a set schedule. This is a public registry that can be easily searched online and includes an offender’s mugshot. If someone who is required to register fails to do so, then that in itself can result in new criminal charges. The length of time required to be on the registry also varies depending on the conviction that an individual has. Those who are convicted of listed sex offenses must continue the requirements of the registry for a period of 15 years, 25 years, or life depending on the crime they were convicted of. There are currently nearly 45,000 people on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, which makes Michigan rank 4th in the United States in the total number of people on the state’s registry. If you have specific questions about the requirements of the Michigan Sex Offender Registry and how those requirements may apply to you, then it is important that you speak to an experienced criminal sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.
WHY THE TIERS MATTER
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is divided into three tiers. Criminal sex offenses can be labeled as Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III offenses. The tier of your offense determines the length of time you will be required to register. The three tiers and their included offenses are listed as follows:
Tier I Offenses: includes crimes such as criminal sexual conduct fourth degree, knowing possession of child sexually abusive material, and assault with intent to commit sexual contact, among other charges. Those who are convicted of a Tier I offense must register in person once a year for 15 years.
Tier II Offenses: includes crimes such as criminal sexual conduct second degree with the victim being between 13-18 years old, accosting a child, certain prostitution offenses, among other charges. Those who are convicted of Tier II offenses must register in person twice a year for 25 years.
Tier III Offenses: includes the most serious sex crimes such as criminal sexual conduct first, second, and third-degree, among other charges. Those who are convicted of Tier III offenses must register in person four times a year for life.
If you are curious about what tier your offense is, and what possibilities you may have for early termination of your registry, then it is important to determine your eligibility for early removal.
HOW YOU CAN DETERMINE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE REGISTRY
Several circumstances exist under the law that can make someone convicted of a criminal sex offense eligible to be removed from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry early. There are three main categories of offenses that allow people convicted of sex crimes to petition for removal from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, they are:
- Romeo & Juliet Offenders (victim between the age of 13-16 and the offender was no more than four years older than the victim).
- Juveniles who were under the age of 14 when they were convicted and were not tried as adults.
- Juveniles who were between 14-16 years old when they were convicted, were not tried as an adult, and did not commit a Tier III offense.
If one of the three circumstances above applies to you, then you may be eligible to be removed from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry early.
A petition for early removal of the requirements of the Michigan Sex Offender Registry for Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III registrants can be granted if:
- The case was adjudicated as a juvenile offense before the offender’s 14th birthday, or
- An offense that previously required registration no longer does.
If you have questions about the potential of early removal from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, then give us a call at Zeineh Law so we can help.
ZEINEH LAW PROUDLY OFFERS A FREE CONSULTATION
If you are looking to get off of the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Zeineh Law, we are proud to offer FREE consultations to all prospective clients. If you are in the process of choosing your attorney or are looking for an honest assessment of your case, then our attorneys are available to help you now. Feel free to contact us anytime at (517) 292-7000 or
online. Our advice is free, and our conversations will always be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Make your first choice towards freedom from the registry with a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Zeineh Law today.
