Recently, am
endments have been made to the Michigan Sex Offender Registration (SOR) requirements. Now, Tier I and Tier III offenders are able to reduce their time on the SOR. Also, offenders of consensual cases, also known as “Romeo and Juliet” offenses, should seek an attorney for immediate removal under the new amendments. There are also opportunities for complete removal because certain offenses have been taken off of the list.
Reduction in Registration for Tier I or III offenses
Tier I cases are the least severe sex offenses, such as indecent exposure, possession of child pornography, and most 4th degree criminal sexual conduct convictions. Tier I offenders must register themselves on the SOR each year for fifteen years. However, under the new amendments, a tier I offender may petition to discontinue registration after ten years. Essentially, there is a reduction of registration from fifteen years to ten years.
Tier III offenders are convicted of more serious offenses such as 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, and any conviction for sexually molesting a child under the age of 13. Tier III offenders are also eligible to reduce their time on the SOR. Tier III offenders must register for life. However, the amendments reduce the required registration length to 25 years, if the offender was a juvenile at the time of the offense. Tier III adult offenders have no relief for reduction of their registration period, and neither do any Tier II offenders. So, if you are a tier III offender who has already been on the SOR for 25 years, you may be eligible for removal.
Petition for Removal for Consensual or “Romeo and Juliet” Cases
To petition for immediate removal of your name on the SOR, the offense must have been a result of a consensual act, among other requirements, including the ages of the parties. Old laws reduced the registration from 25 to 10 years, but the new amendment allows for immediate removal.
Some are no longer required to register on SOR because certain offenses were taken off the list.
You can petition for removal of your name on the SOR if you were charged with Disorderly Person, Obscene Conduct or Indecent Exposure. People who were convicted of these offenses are no longer required to register.
To submit a petition for removal from the SOR, contact an attorney to discuss your case for the most optimal result.
Attorney Morris has enjoyed a very successful and distinguished career as a trial lawyer providing high quality legal representation in the area of state and federal criminal defense for 20 years. He is known for his trial preparation by fellow attorneys, judges and clients alike. As a trial attorney, he is dedicated to attaining justice in every case, and is prepared to take on complex legal issues with success. Barton and his law firm pride themselves on obtaining results for their clients that other attorneys cannot.
Not only does Barton Morris have extensive experience, he also engages in continuing legal education to provide the highest quality legal services. Barton has received specialized scientific training through the American Chemical Society. He attended the prestigious Trial Lawyers College and serves on its Alumni Association Board of Directors. Barton Morris is also a board member of several distinguished legal associations including the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys, and the DUI Defense Lawyer’s Association Justice Foundation. He is also an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and has also graduated from their National Criminal Defense Trial College in Macon, Georgia.
Barton Morris was chosen as a Top Lawyer of Metro Detroit for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019 and 2020 for DUI/DWI and criminal defense by DBusiness Magazine and Hour Magazine. Barton Morris was also chosen as a Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense for 2014-2020 and Barton Morris is the only Lawyer in Michigan designated by the American Chemical Society as a “Forensic Lawyer-Scientist”