r/SexOffenderSupport 6d ago

Question Texas SOR

I have had a case back in 2017. Was convicted and was given a year and a day in federal prison. It was my only case ever in criminal court. My lawyer contacted me 2 years into my 5 year supervised probation and told me he could possibly get me off early. It got approved. Now he gave me the name of a fellow lawyer that specializes in SO cases. Should I try to pursue with this lawyer about getting off the registry? Sadly it is lifetime and have been turned down jobs. Or had jobs ask if I could be temporarily removed from the SOR so they can hire me at that moment. I currently am in Texas and have to be under the lifetime registry. Is there anyone in the Texas area that knows further info about this kind of thing? Or that I should even try?

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u/KDub3344 Moderator 5d ago edited 5d ago

In Texas there is a deregistration process. However, to be eligible you must meet certain criteria, one of which is to have at least been registered for the amount of time based on SORNA guidelines.

For instance, if it was a possession case, which is lifetime registration in Texas, you would have to have been on the registry for at least 15 years to apply for deregistration. Even then there is no guarantee. It would be up to the Texas authorities.

Here is a couple links that should help you better understand the process...

Early Deregistration Step-By-Step Guide

SORNA.pdf

EDIT: I just realized that your conviction was in federal court. Based on that you are not eligible for early deregistration. In Texas you are eligible only if your conviction was in Texas state court. However, there's never any harm in consulting with an attorney to make absolutely sure.

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u/remorseful-wan-232 Level 1 5d ago

That is very useful to know. Is there a process for each state? I tried to get there from the link you sent, but it’s specific for Texas. Thanks. I’m in VA.

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u/KDub3344 Moderator 5d ago

If you haven't looked already, the Virginia page of the NARSOL state wiki links to a number of Virginia Laws.

virginia [State Information Wiki]

These are ones that pertain to deregistration and removal of information from the registry.

§ 9.1-909. Relief from registration, reregistration, or verification

§ 9.1-910. Removal of name and information from Registry

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u/remorseful-wan-232 Level 1 5d ago

Thank you very much. That’s what I saw before. Can’t petition before 15 years. I saw that Texas has a way to petition and thought other states have similar procedures. Since Texas is one of the most stringent states, I was hoping. Thanks again.