People often say that if you are ordered to register on the sex offender list, your name will remain there for the rest of your life. This is why it can cause significant complications in the future. Even if you serve your time, having your name on this list after a conviction could make it harder for you to get a job, go to school, find a place to live and much more.
But it is not true that your name always stays on the list for life. In Washington State, that is only done in specific situations.
Registration for adults
For adults, it depends on the classification of the charge against them. For instance, someone who is charged with a misdemeanor or a Class C felony will have to register on the sex offender list, but it only lasts for 10 years. If that person had a Class B felony, then they would need to register for 15 years. It is only for the highest level—Class A felonies—that someone has to register on the sex offender list for life.
Registration for juveniles
Juveniles who are convicted of sex crimes may also have to register, but the duration depends on their age and the type of charge that they face. For instance, if they were 15, 16, or 17 years old and they committed a Class A felony, then they have to register on the list for three years. Other juveniles who do not fit this classification may also have to register, but it typically only lasts for two years.
Exploring your options
Even if you have been ordered to register for life, there may be options you can explore to get your name removed from the sex offender registry, opening up employment and educational opportunities for the future. Be sure you know exactly how the law works and what steps you’ll need to take.