Once you have been convicted of a sexual offense in Boulder, Jefferson or Broomfield county, you will be required to register as a sexual offender for years or even possibly for life. If you have been required to register, you know the sex offender registration / deregistration process can be unfair and burdensome. The process requires you register your address with law enforcement and update them if you move. Even if you were innocent of the charge and felt pressured to take a plea bargain to avoid the possibility of a lifetime sentence after trial, the requirement of registration does not go away. The requirement exists even for minor crimes or even if you have already completed the rehabilitation process.
The sex offender registry gives landlords, employers, neighbors, and anyone else who researches you a misleading picture about the kind of person you are. Fortunately, many people required to register can petition the court to deregister and get off the registry.
Waiting Periods Before People Can Deregister
Generally, pursuant to C.R.S. 16-22-113, there are eligibility waiting periods that apply before you can even attempt to Deregister and get off the registry. The general waiting periods following release from probation or parole are listed below but they do have some limited exceptions:
- 10 years for unlawful sexual contact, a class 1 misdemeanor or any class 4, 5, 6 felony
- 5 years for any misdemeanor offenses other than a class 1 (including indecent exposure)
- Upon case dismissal, i.e. after a deferred sentence is completed
- Additionally, for high level felonies, a person may petition 20 years after their sentence is completely discharged.
The sex offender registration / deregistration process can be tedious and confusing, which is why you need to contact an experienced attorney to assist you in navigating through the process. If you qualify, we can help you through the process and put the best case forward for removal, as the judges have a great deal of discretion in whether or not they allow someone to come off of the registry.
If you are subject to sex offender registration / deregistration in Adams, Broomfield, or Douglas county, the attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office can help make the best case for getting you off the registry when you qualify. We are experienced attorneys devoted solely to the practice of criminal defense. So, be smart, and consult with an attorney. Call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.