People with sex crime convictions in the state of Maryland must register as a sex offender under state law. Given the stigma of the public knowing you are a registered sex offender, as well as the restrictions on offenders placed by law, some people may wonder if the state will ever remove their names from the sex offender registry. Under some circumstances, it may happen.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website explains why a state may remove individuals from the sex offender registry. When a person dies, the state removes the name and identifying information of the person. However, for people who want their names removed while they are still alive, one of a number of different circumstances must take place.
Expiration
Not all registrants must remain on the registry for life. The state divides up offenders into three tiers. Tier III offenders must register permanently, but a Tier I offender need only register for 15 years and a Tier II offender registers for 25 years. So if you belong to the first two tiers, the state will remove your name and identification from the registration at the end of your term.
Relocation
You might want to move out of the state of Maryland. If so, the state will remove your name from the registry, but that does not mean that state you move to will not place your name in their sex offender registry. Upon leaving Maryland, the state will notify the offender registry in your new state of residence about your offender status.
Leniency or overturned convictions
Even after a conviction for a sex crime, you have a number of options available to you. You might appeal the conviction to a higher court. If the court overturns the conviction, you could have your name removed from the registry. You may also clear your name if the governor pardons you or if the state expunges your conviction.