Sex Offender Registration Does Not Have To Be Permanent
The Muth Atwood, PLLC, defends individuals against the long-term consequences of sex crime convictions in Seattle and surrounding areas. These consequences typically involve more than just incarceration, leaving individuals to cope with the challenges of being a registered sex offender.
Washington’s Rules For Removing A Sex Offender Registration
If an individual has already been convicted of a sex crime, Washington law allows for removal from the sex offender registry under specific circumstances.
To petition for removal from the sex offender registry, first, you must determine that you are eligible to petition. Then, you must prepare a petition for the court to review. That petition must consider the following 13 criteria:
- The nature of the offense committed, including the number of victims and the length of the offense history
- Any criminal history subsequent to the offense in question
- Compliance with supervisory requirements after the initial conviction
- How long ago the incident occurred
- Input from community corrections officers, law enforcement, treatment providers, etc.
- Participation in appropriate sex offender treatment program
- Participation in other required treatment and rehabilitative programs
- Whether or not the offender has stable employment and housing
- The offender’s support system either in the community or in his or her personal life
- Assessments provided by qualified professionals regarding risk of repeat offenses
- Updated polygraph exam results
- Input from the victim
- Any other factors the court may consider relevant
There are many factors to consider in determining whether you can petition to remove the obligation to register as a sex offender and in preparing a sex offender petition that a judge will seriously consider. Judges do not always grant these petitions. Working with an experienced sex offender registration attorney will give you the best chance at removing this onerous label.
The Muth Atwood, PLLC has successfully petitioned courts throughout Washington State to relieve their clients of this requirement. Our attorneys have testified in the Washington Legislature on bills to improve the registration removal process, and have presented to other lawyers, as well as written articles, on how to seek this relief.
Contact Us In Seattle To Discuss Your Case
Schedule a confidential initial consultation online with an experienced defense lawyer. Call 866-235-0030 or complete the brief online form.