I was charged with 10 counts of possesion in May, which was reduced to 2 with a plea deal this November. I met with the Probation office, and I was registered as a tier 1 offender in Michigan (Private List). I was wondering how it would change in Illinois, as I live here with my parents, and was arrested and charged while at college. My question is: Will I be subject to the law in Illinois when I have to register with them in my Birthmonth? I am also aiming for my lawyer to get me into the “Holmes Youthful Trainee Act” program, which gives me a fresh start if I complete probation, erasing me from any registry. However this is up to the judge, and if I don’t succeed, I wanted to know what I was facing for my future.

200+ applications, 8 months of searching, 20+ interviews, multiple failed background checks.

I took the advice of the gentleman on this sub Reddit group. I told the employer on the very first phone call that I had an old felony from 16 years ago that was holding me back. To my surprise, the phone interviewer told me that he also has a felony record and that it was not a big deal he would put a good word in with me with the owner of the company to my surprise, I was hired into my Work industry of HVAC. 75,000+ salary a year.

Lessons learned… I should not take jobs for granted anymore. It is becoming more and more difficult to be employed in my situation and I need to treat every job like it’s my last. Do not take anything for granted.

Honesty is the only policy for us because society wants us to disclose. We have to get comfortable telling our story.

Sobriety is key and a big reason why I was fired from my last job. I had an alcohol and marijuana smoking addiction. I have since become seven months sober and I need to stay sober.

Don’t give up! Keep trying and take anything you can get. Hope is out there, we just have to strive for it.

Since being out of prison and off of parole, I have only succeeded in being hired into retail jobs where I deal with the public every minute of everyday, but have been denied or let go from EVERY factory job I've applied/worked for. Why is that.?!

does anyone know in what ways, if any, they would handle a case for distribution/possession differently than an adult?

im interested in hearing what ways they handle juveniles 16 or over for a case like this, and also how theyd handle it for juveniles under 16.

how would some big states like New york or California handle a case like those listed above? interested to hear everyones insights/personal experiences etc. thanks.

Once upon a time, there lived a very sad man, a lonely man who self isolated, did not have developed hobbies outside of work home wash, rinse, and repeat. He was very depressed and didn’t have many friends. Until one day while walking alone outside on the docks of his local town, he saw a bunch of Salsa dancers dancing in the middle of summer. They welcome him to join in and dance with them and everyone rotated partners they were all friends, supportive, loving, and caring of one another. They invited him to take classes with them and to join in dance socials and to go on trips and vacations, and they invited him into their homes on Thanksgiving and Christmas and soon enough, he joined a performance dance team for both men and women and he was inspired to become a dance teacher, where he’s taking classes to get ballroom certifications now.

His life is full and rich of social community , interactions and love and he met a beautiful woman who is now his girlfriend and she loves dancing with him and they have a wonderful relationship.

Through dance performance, he’s learned to overcome his social anxiety, his paranoia and fear, and whenever someone discovers that he’s an RSO he’s confidently able to explain his story his situation, his life changes and he gains allies and support from the community because he’s built a community of allies and supporters… all of the major promoters in his town know of his offense because he practices disclosure and honesty and he would never do anything to reoffend and ruin the beautiful community that he created for himself because it’s the most sacred and special thing in his world.

He encourages anyone and all men to join theater or performance arts and music as an outlet to feel connected to the world. When this man dances he creates beautiful art and the pain and hurt and ignorance of his past cannot haunt him.

Ex moved out this week and has moved in with new partner (see my previous post).

Ex going through court for hand on offence against minor (under 16) and will be pleading guilty.

New partner has kids and knows about charges.

Am I morally accountable to report to police / child protection that he is living with children?

I'm certain he would never repeat offend from what I've been through with him this year.

My psychologist however indicated that if he knew the name or address that he would report - which makes me question whether I'm doing the right thing.

Some background to start off, yes I am in therapy, I have been going to it since I started probation, also I am on meds for anxiety and depression, also I know nobody here is doctors or licensed therapists, I just want to know what's worked for you or how you cope. Also I am 1 year into my probation sentence and attend a board game group weekly to socialize. Anyways, I've been going through some horrendous self loathing and just bouts of crying and extreme anxiety. I can't find a reason why I'm here, why I continue to wake up every morning, what keeps you going, what gives you happiness even if its small? I just feel so alone right now

I don't really know what I am expecting here. I guess some sort of comfort or hope?

I was charged with 10 counts possession of child pronography in the state of Florida. I live in a different state now but thats where they got the report. My sentencing is next month. I was arrested last December, so it's been a year since then. I have a psychosexual evaluator willing to speak for me in court, a sex offender treatment provider willing to speak for me, and a therapist I was seeing 1 on 1 since February. They all believe i deserve minimal punishment and want me to continue under probation so that i can keep working and seeking treatment. I also have around 11 letters of support and I am 20 years old with no prior record, not even a ticket. But i am facing a court case in another state that is a gross misdemeanor but a similar offense. They're waiting till Florida case wraps up so that they don't add a charge which could make things much worse for the Florida case. I could qualify as a Youthful Offender if the judge wants to go for that. I have spent the last year going to consistent counseling, building my life up, moving my boyfriend in (who was homeless before I moved him in), and building my hope up. I am looking at 127.5 months if they won't downward depart via the youthful offender method. My lawyer said he believes I will likely get 7-8 years prison time. I just have such a hard time hearing that when everyone else believed it would be likely I might get a year or two, or probation. I am terrified because my boyfriend and I agreed I would not make him wait if I got prison time. I'm not scared of prison, I'm scared of losing quite literally everything in my life that i built up at only 20. My own apartment, good job opportunities, a loving relationship, good credit. But, barely any time being an adult. The offense was reported when I was 18.

I've heard so much about how Florida does not have any mercy at all for this type of offense. Most places will give you mercy if you're as young as I am and showing a willingness to accept treatment and work hard for the community. But it seems like Florida just wants blood based on what my lawyer and people online are saying. Is this true? Is there any hope for me at all? I mean since it's a guilty plea, it's entirely up to the judge. He could sentence me to 0 time, or 150 years based on their scoresheet.

Like I said i don't really know what I'm looking for here. I guess just something to ease my mind, some kind of hope that my lawyer might just be a pessimist. Idk. Could also be I just wanted to let it out.

State court btw.

I am planning a work trip to Boston for 3 days, Tuesday afternoon - Friday afternoon in January. I have looked on the SORB for helpful information, but I am drawing a blank. One source says within 2 days if moving into the state. I am not moving. One source says 10 days is working in the state but living out of state. Atwoo Zee says 4 days (confirmed in August, 2024). Does the 4 days start the day you arrive or the day after?

Is there anyone here from Massachusetts who can provide some guidance for a confused soul?

Thank you

For reference, i was convicted federally of possession of CP in 2022. Level 2 in NY. Supervision okayed the trip as long as I comply with Massachusetts registration requirements.

Just wondering - recently I went to a mental health clinic, and on their intake form, it asked if I had ever had been incarcerated; and it said 'if so, what was your offense'... This seems inappropriate - and I intentionally left this space blank. Can mental health clinics / doctors ask this question?

Looking to see if anyone in here is from Long Island or I guess anywhere in NY and knows the restrictions regarding residency. I know it states while on probation you cannot live within a thousand feet of a school etc but has anyone gotten permission to do so? What if you have been living there for 10+ years and have no where else to go? Do they just make you homeless? Our lawyer is not answering any of our questions. I appreciate any information you guys have, thank you so much.

to make a long story short, my husband is the one with a charge against him. It’s been very difficult but about a year ago he lost his job. (he had the job before he was arrested. They did not fire him until after that, this is done and in the past, I know we probably could’ve done some thing about it, but it happened a while ago)

He was obviously forced to find a new job. I don’t wanna get into specifics, but my health is not good, and I’ve been forced to sign up for Social Security disability, we are still in the process of going through trial for that but my husband has lost all ambition. He got a new job, but this new job pays less than $20 an hour and we are drowning. It’s kind of a complicated situation because my parents also have a lot of control over our lives because of me getting sick.

It took a really long time to find this job. He is not interested or motivated in looking for anything else. I’ve been trying to work with my caseworker if there’s anything I can do and she says there are programs to help someone like this in this situation, but I don’t know where to turn to. My husband will not look into anything. He has too much pride and refused to swallow it. I understand I’m not upset at him. I just want our lives to be miserable and to be able to afford basic things like food and toilet paper.

It was really hard for me to even reach out for help here. I don’t often feel like I can talk about this because nobody understands, and they usually judge me pretty severely.

Are there programs to help somebody who is a SA, find a decent paying job? Or even job training for something that he could do. He is a very smart man and has the potential to do great things but he made one mistake and it’s going to haunt all of us forever. i’ve already decided that I would live with this, but I can’t continue to keep going on like this without our basic needs met. How can I help him?

Just looking for some opinions on this...does anyone regret taking a plea that was offered? Would you rather have taken the risk and gone to trial? My fiance has to decide whether to go to trial or take a deal this week and he's back and forth on what he should do. If he takes the deal he gets 10 years SO probation, therapy and has to register which in our state is for 20 years. If he goes to trial he could be looking at 5 years in prison. Just wondering what others who have been through this decided and if you had any regrets about not going to trial. Thank you all🙏🏼

Long story short, I didn’t go to Prison. I was extremely lucky and the judge handed me a 18 months suspended sentence, 12 months probation (including 180 hours unpaid work/community service). I was also subject to 5 years to SHPO (sexual harm prevention orders - which basically means they sometimes check my devices and I cannot erase any internet data) and 10 years on the registry.

On the date of my trial (which was around 6 months ago now) my solicitor/ barrister both told me to expect at least a 4 years custodial sentence (prison) and I did. I spent what I thought were my last few hours of freedom with my family going out to eat and stuff before my hearing. However during the trial, some of the “main” charges were dismissed as they didn’t have enough evidence as well as being 17 at the time I committed the crime. I felt as if a boulder just got lifted of my shoulder, the past 2-3 years was full of worry and uncertainty, I was even scared to answer the door to my house because I didn’t know if it was the police or something coming to lock me up.

Since then I have just been working still, made some new friends (that don’t know) and slowing chipping away at my unpaid work (around 120 hours left)and overall everything’s is going good. I turn 20 in 15 days and me and some friends are planning to go to Amsterdam for the weekend.

P.S. I also told my girlfriend about my situation and offences around a week after the court trial and she was VERY supportive and understanding of me. However I did break up with her due to some other circumstances, but we still keep in touch.

Finally, I just wanted to thank everyone that commented on my last post and even those who dmed me helping me get through that dark time in my life and if there’s one message I wanna share with everyone reading is that “there is always a light at the end of the tunnel”.

Thanks

Curious as to how it works in federal and state prisons especially in higher security prisons where pc and solitary are probably more common! I’ve read some older articles about people being in Isolation for decades. Is that still allowed or have they changed how they think/use pc and solitary?

What do they do now if someone is in pc alone for a year or 2 are they transferred somewhere they’re safe or can people be forced to serve their whole time in isolation if they’re not safe in general population?

I’ve seen many cases of people in mediums and definitely highs serving large amounts of their sentence in PC alone and I’ve seen a few people say on here that it’s not allowed for prisons to do that yet I still see cases of it?

Are either one of these a good career for an RSO? My son is considering signing up for a boot camp in one of these fields at our local university.

Edit: I meant reducing prison time, not charges.

My husband was charged with possession and voyeurism at the state level in WA. He was offered a plea deal of 26 months. He's been seeing a CSAT therapist and is on step 9 of the SAA program and it getting SO much better. He's been working so hard on his addiction. With his pre-trial coming up, what are the odds the judge will reduce the sentencing based on all the work he's been doing and the progress he's made? Also with statements from the victims stating they want him home?

Still going through pre-trials, arrested in June. Finally got a job on Halloween through a temp agency. They give me an email a week ago stating they looked at my background check and to explain what happened in a form (sting op). Today I get a text from them saying to not show up to work tomorrow and that I will be given a call in the morning, so I'm guessing I will be fired.. The shift leader of the warehouse (who hasn't mentioned my charge or background yet) they applied me to talked about wanting to hire me in, so I might go to work and talk to her (and may have to explain my charges), but I'm just depressed. I've been looking for a job all year even prior to this, finally get one with stability and I'm fired in a month. I've done hundreds of Indeed applications in a day, interview after interview before my charge, so it seems like things are only going to get more difficult for me and my family. I live in MI.

This is the second temp agency I've gone through. First one told me they'd have something for me and then never responsed. Has anyone had any luck being let go via temp aganecy and then talking to higher-ups? Because I'm not trying to be unemployed again, I'm just hurting everyone around me at this point.

I was removed from the registry in 2021 , im thinking about doing some traveling, im curious if former sex offender’s have their passports stamped as a sex offender? Thanks

I became a RSO in my senior year of college (graduated last may), and had originally intended to go into the medical field. I am now trying to find a career that would be lenient to my criminal history while utilizing my degree.

My criminal history is non-violent, and is a single offense. It was a state felony conviction of one charge that was closed as a misdemeanor and I was determined lowest risk tier by my state (ND) registration.

My resume is made of entry-level jobs in medicine, and I don't have much work experience outside patient care. I am most curious if anyone here knows of companies, perhaps in food science or materials research, that employ biochemistry and practice fair-chance hiring.

I've also looked at going back to school. Veterinary school seems more competitive than even medical school. I'd bet that I could get into a law school, but I doubt that I'd be allowed to take the bar and get licensed, after talking with the state bar assoc. If I went back to school, I would hope to build on the education I already have, but maybe a trade is where success lies?

Thank you all for your support.

I'm single 39 male Ohio federal probation for about another 8 years. I am not really good at talking to people in person. I just don't have the social skills, I have tried but I just seem creepy when I do talk to people in person. Unless I work or know them. I can't go on social media to meet people or stuff like that. I like talking through a screen because it gets me time to think and a pause between talking without being awkward. It's really hard for me to talk to female's and try to strike up a conversation without being a creep or weird.

I used to be a Video* gamer but since I got out I have loss interest in it. I try to play every now and than but I just don't care. I work at the same shitty job I had before being locked up. I work about around 40ish a week making $12hr. Can't find a good paying job the doesn't have you working 12hr hours in one day. Housing is ok for now. I have a family that cares about me. But in the end I have lost interest in a lot of things I used to like. I either work, sleep, YouTube, or go over my parents. I don't do much of anything else. I go shopping for food and stuff but I just rather stay home.

I try to be happy, but it's hard for me to do so. I am just tired of being lonely, I would like to have a girlfriend. I don't really have friends, just one or two people I talk to. I am just slowly losing my mind. I went to therapy and all. It was kinda helpful but it didn't help with things that's outside their abilities to do so.

How do you find happiness or contentment in life with things so restrictive? Or am I just using that as a crutch in my life?

Im just spitballing an idea here. What if there was an app or website that sends you a reminder to register??

You chose the number and the frequency(when to register, which is important if your honeless)

Alot of RSOs fail to register, so why not provide them with a reminder.

How would it work? How would you secure the numbers that register?

what do you all think of my ideas.? 🤓🤓🧐

so my bf is currently in state jail for a fail to rep address his offense happened when he was a juvenile but they tried him as adult we’re looking to leave TX does anyone know how Montana’s laws are around registration? In TX he’s done when he gets out(10yrs) i read montana does the 10 years if your a level one (he is) but since his 2 fail to reports (both address changes) do you think they would make him register for life over there ?

Today marks exactly 15 days until I am officially off probation. It’s been a long journey, but one that has transformed me in ways I never imagined. After being released early on house arrest, I took a bold step and petitioned the court to allow me to move out of the country. That petition was granted, and my probation was switched to unsupervised. For the past three years, I’ve been living abroad, working on bettering myself in every possible way.

I have 5 more years left until I can petition the court for removal, and while it might seem like a long time, I see it as an opportunity to keep building the life I want.

I’ve invested in my growth and healing, including starting therapy—not because I had to, but because I wanted to understand where things went wrong and ensure they never happen again. That decision has been life-changing. I’ve also enrolled in college and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree online, a milestone I once thought was out of reach.

Professionally, I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities back home in the U.S., receiving job offers with the salary I desire. I’ve chosen to work on contracts rather than direct hire to navigate around background checks while still proving my value and expertise if I decide to move back home to the U.S.

This post isn’t just about me—it’s about encouragement. Whether you’re facing time, just getting out, or grinding to move forward, keep your head up and stay strong. Growth is possible. Change is real. And the future is bright if you’re willing to put in the work. Stay focused, stay determined, and never stop striving for better.

Charlotte, NC. I've been out for two and a half months, and I'm staying at a halfway house.

I spent my first few weeks just applying for whatever presented itself, and I got several interviews, two of which resulted in on-the-spot offers. Both called me back a few days later and rescinded, after what I assume was a background check.

I got into a carpentry pre-apprenticeship class with the idea in mind of working toward an electrician's apprenticeship, and I'm making progress in that direction, but I haven't yet actually made any overtures toward the IBEW.

Should I go for it and apply directly, go through a trade school, or what? Is anyone else in here working in the trades, and if so, what was your path to get there?

if you make it to the end of this dark tunnel and get off the registry, do you still tell others your close to about your past? Say if you make a new best friend, join a club, start dating someone or reconnect with a family member who doesn't know, do you tell them? Or do you just lock the past away and throw away the key and forget that chunk of your life? I'm genuinely curious as I can see two sides to this, one is that you don't want your offense to identify who you are especially after you've done the time, but on the flip side denying or blocking it feels like lying to yourself and others.

Hi, first time here.. Im not looking for legal advice but would appreciate any emotional support right now and i need to vent with others who have dealt with something similar.

I was in a bad relationship in FL that ended with me being charged with DV charges for defending myself.. got out of that relationship and moved back closer to my family in TN. I met this wonderful man through FB Dating and we have clicked from the very start in May. We recently found out that we have crossed paths the few times I’ve had to visit TN and I had even made remarks to a friend about the really cute construction guy 3 yrs ago. The cute construction guy being my now boyfriend. He told me from the very start about his felony sex offense and being a RSO for life since he was charged in LA.

Im currently in a custody battle with my sociopath exhusband (maybe not a sociopath, but very parental alienation-like). Everything has been going in my favor with my DV charges being dismissed in February where i can have it expunged and im so close to getting custody back of my children. Well, now my exhusband got a whiff of my new friend and did some research on him. Now my boyfriend is being forced to testify in court, requested to be in court for the final hearing. Everything that is done in public or posted on social media is kept very FRIENDS ONLY strict between the boyfriend and I. So my exhusband is finding annnnnnny little thing to bring to court.

Im worried about what theyre going to ask him or what theyre going to say about our relationship.. which we have discussed an engagement and a ring is being saved up for currently, that plan was accidentally exposed the other day because he didnt know i was in the next room. Then he had to partially admit to what he said to his friend over the phone. So im excited for that!! He has been the best boyfriend ever. Hes very supportive, encouraging, and loving. Hes my own personal cheerleader. I love him so much! We have discussed his felony and the possibility of having a baby when we are married and ready.

Im afraid my exhusband will try to find a way to have him put back in jail and i really need some encouraging words because ive been crying off and on that he may get taken from me over a bitter exhusband.

Again.. i dont need legal advice. I just need emotional support because im really struggling with this right now. I just love him so much and i need this man in my life. I dont want to lose him.

I was wondering if anyone else in their area have noticed an almost overnight increase in passive hostilities towards sex offenders.

Basically overnight I have noticed a decent increase of people driving around with "kill your local pedophile" window/bumper sticker. They basically are all the same sticker as well. (Showing someone being shot)

It is my understanding that the only type of relief from a federal felony is a pardon from the president. In NY, you can receive a certificate of rehabilitation from disabilities after a certain period of crime-free life. Does anyone know of anything exists on the federal level?

I am living in WA state and have a trip planned to GA with my family next year. I would be in GA less than 24 hours, though overnight. I have contacted the county sheriff to find if there are any restrictions and was told I could not be within 1,000 ft of pools, gyms, or churches during my stay which excluded the hotels and bed and breakfast places I found. I was given "special permission" to stay at a Super 8, which includes a pool (as most southern hotels do). I am not required to register, but to text the officer when I get into town. My understanding from my research was that one would not have to register unless staying 14 days, so I wondered if the presence/residency restrictions could be applied to non-registering travelling offenders on a temporary visit within the "grace period". I wondered whether or not these actions on behalf of police are an overreach and unlawful, or whether they are fear-driven and provided from ignorance of the law. I've contacted SOR for additional information and have not heard back, but according to this guide from blogger ATwoZee, the presence restrictions do not apply to visitiors in GA, 50 state POST-REG Sept 2024.pdf - Google Drive , If anyone has any general advice on this topic, I feel this is a specific niche question that might need better clarification, though I understand the answer could depend on the state.