Posting #161 – Elated to Have Him Home, by Corrine

By:  Corrine
Date:  10/30/2009

RSOL of Virginia,

Thanks for the information.
 
Mac returned home on Wednesday.  He and I facilitated a record-breaking interstate transfer of 16 days; it would've been 14 days if it were not for that other states computer issues.  The typical transfer time is 45-90 days.

Thankfully, he has been designated as non-violent by VA.  He will be registering today. His probation officer told him to register with the local police, not state police; we are a bit confused, but will be visiting both offices today.

A few inconsistencies when compared against some of the posts by others:

• The VA SO Task Force will not be visiting our home because he is on probation; the PO is responsible for knowing his whereabouts.   I was told during the home visit that the State Police take over once civil commitment is done.
• The 500 ft and entering schools/school property laws don't apply to him according to the PO and the paperwork he signed.  This one really threw me because I've read the VA codes (thanks to you) many times and we were expecting this.  But apparently, the non-violent status combined with civil commitment allows the PO to decide. 

As you already know, the SO laws are counterintuitive and confusing to all.  Even when I posed my questions to the PO conducting the home visit, she was unable to give me clear-cut answers as she wasn't able to put Mac in a box.  She stated that the laws are very clear-cut for violent offenders, but not so much for non-violent.  I believe this serves as the basis for POs deciding what is "best".

I am so elated that he has returned; it has taken a huge dent out of our wedding fund for next year, but none the less we are blessed!  He goes back to work on Monday!

Please let me know how I can be more active.  Now that my mind is eased because he has returned, I will go back to read all of your e-mails to see what letters I can write. I am a great public speaker and look forward to educating myself, so I can become vocal!

Will let you know how it goes.

Corrine