Can you get your name taken off the sex offender registry?

If an individual is placed on the sex offender registry in North Carolina, they don’t necessarily have to remain there for life. Individuals who keep their records clean might be able to get their names taken off the registry after 10 years or more. However, the laws vary across different states.

How could a name be removed from the sex offender registry?

According to federal law, an individual might be eligible for removal from the sex offender registry if they’re a Tier 1 offender and at least 10 years have passed since the incident. Tier 2 offenders might be eligible for removal if at least 25 years have passed.

However, most states have rules that differ from federal law. In that case, the individual will have to talk to a criminal defense attorney to see if it’s possible to get their name off the registry. They might be able to get their name removed if their record is expunged or the conviction is overturned.

Some states allow for removal if the individual doesn’t commit any additional crimes within a certain time span. Others allow for removal if the incident was considered a crime at the time but is no longer a crime today. Whatever the case, it’s typically possible for certain individuals to get their names taken off the sex offender registry.

Should you hire an attorney?

If you’re looking to get your name taken off the registry, consider hiring an attorney. The laws for removal are different in every state, so your attorney may assess the laws in your state and figure out if you’re eligible for removal. Depending on the situation, your attorney might even be able to get your record expunged or your conviction overturned, which would mean that the incident is erased from your record.