Updated April 11, 2011:
Virginia Supporters,
Before you book your airline, pack that bag and type in your GPS coordinates don’t forget to check what the restrictions and regulations for registered sex offenders are in that state, that county and that city you plan on visiting.
Remember ignorance of the law is NOT a defense in ANY state. You are responsible to know what the laws are in any state, county or city you enter into (yes, you are).
In some states, counties and cities on your 5th day in a rental property, a hotel, a motel, a parent or siblings home, an RV or a tent in a State Park or your college room-mates condo on the beach you are required to go and register. In many states including Florida on your 3rd day you must register and we know for a fact that in Las Vegas within 24 hours if you do not register and give a DNA sample you could be arrested and facing a felony.
In many states there are restrictions that registered offenders can NOT visit State Fairs, Amusement Parks, Public Pools, Parks, Zoos, Beaches/Lakes, Movie Theaters (yes, I said movie theaters), Museums, Playgrounds, Bowling Alleys, Ski Resorts, Golf Courses and the list could go on, and on, and on. All depending on the State, the City and the County.
In some states the playground ban also includes fast-food establishments and shopping malls that have a slide, a ball pit and a Jungle-Jim. So no Big-Mac or Whopper with fries and no running to Macy’s or Sears if there are play areas on that property.
In many states when you register you must pay a fee to do so.
Keep in mind that when you register in another state information that you are not use to being posted on-line in Virginia may be posted in that state. Like ALL your phone numbers, e-mail addresses, instant message identifications, vehicle and license plate information, tattoo and scar descriptions and photos AND in Texas your shoe size (yes, shoe size).
The RSOL of VA can not tell you what the laws and restriction are in other states, counties and cities we’re sorry. It’s a full-time job just keeping up with Virginia’s info.
As for traveling to other countries, as of April 2011 there are no additional restrictions for registered offenders. In the last 3 years our US Congress has proposed many restrictions for international travel including, requesting permission to travel, additional fees and passport restrictions. So far none of these proposals have become law.
We recently learned that Canada has a morals law and at the time of entry they will turn away any visitor who has a felony conviction like a DUI. We do not know if misdemeanors are included but we were informed of a U.S. citizen who was not an RSO who was sent back on an airplane when they arrived in Canada to attend a business conference.
Of course if anyone is currently on probation, you should not travel anywhere until you have cleared it with your probation officer. We recommend getting their approval in writing, not just a spoken approval.
The RSOL of VA wants you all to have a safe vacation and not possibly be committing a misdemeanor or even a felony. Please do your homework before you leave home otherwise you could have bigger problems then did you pack the camera and the sunscreen?
Enjoy your time off!
Executive Director
