One of the most consequential results of a conviction for certain crimes is the public exposure. Anyone convicted of a sex offense as defined by RCW 9a.44.130 must register as a sex offender in a public database. This can affect your employment and housing opportunities and lead to people treating you differently everywhere you go.
Are you stuck with this for life? Or is it possible to be removed from the registry at some point? The answer is that it depends on the category of crime you were convicted of and whether you had previous similar convictions. Your age at the time of the crime can also be of influence.
Some will stay on it for life
The option of removal is not available to everyone. A person classified as a “sexually violent predator” or a person convicted of offenses involving “forcible compulsion” since 2008 will stay on the registry for the duration of their life.
Some will stay on it for an indefinite amount of time
Some people are put on the register without any set date at which their name will be removed. However, after a specific number of years, they may be eligible to apply to a court to have their name removed. That does not mean the court has to agree to it, so presenting a strong case will be vital.
Some will remain on it for a set period
Some convictions come with the requirement to register for 10 years, others for 15 years. The date runs from when the convicted person was last released from incarceration or — if they did not spend time behind bars post-sentencing – from the date they were sentenced. Once that period ends, then they generally no longer need to register.
Other options may be available
In certain cases, there is an option to petition a court for earlier removal. Another option might be to seek expungement of the crime that led to your need to register. If you were convicted as a juvenile, that, too, might make it possible to get off the registry sooner. Note, however, that picking up certain new convictions could prevent your removal from happening. Learning more about your legal options could be time well spent.