Public urination charge vs Sex offence *Sorry for cross posting*

[relevantz]

I saw a thread posted by a woman in Florida about this topic. Again I apologize for any redundancy in the forums on this topic!!

About 17 years ago in Richmond Virginia I was caught by a pair of bike cops (one of whom I knew!) while I was walking my dogs who were also urinating in public. This was in an overgrown vacant lot and generally hidden from view - but that is beside the point right now.

I was ticketed and later went to court. In front of the judge I admitted what I did and was convicted, paid my fine, booked and printed, then stuck in a holding cell for about an hour. No previous record, none since by the way.

Anyway, after the whole thing was "over" and they were releasing me, one of the officers in the holding area said "welcome to the Virginia Sex Offenders registry!" at the time the comment didn't really matter much to me but now it does.

My wife and I are trying to adopt a child and if I am indeed on the Commonwealth of Virginia's registry we may have problems.

Was the officer correct or was he just taunting me?

This week I am going to search my records with the State Police to see, but it really seems out of line for a first time offense of this nature to have such a dire consequence.

Thanks for any help you can give!

[mcsap]

I guess it depends on what you were charged with.

In PA , it wouldn't likely amount to much more than Disorderly Conduct UNLESS there was some sort of recklessness or intent to expose one self.

Even a VA officer may not be able to say without knowing the exact charge.

[retdetsgt]

Check with the state to see if you are on the registry. If so, get a lawyer.

For it to be a sexual offense in most states, it has to be shown that you did it for sexual gratification, not just bladder relief. Do you remember what crime you were convicted of?

[GoDirectly2Jail]

What was the exact offense code you were charged with? Virginia's Sex Offender Registry is very specific as to what offenses qualify. Here is the Virginia State Police site that lists the charges for which registration is required:

Virginia State Police

[tcop733]

Yeah, urinating in public would not constitute a sexual offense in most states................unless you shook an extended period of time and with extreme vigor at the end.

[Legoate]

I'd say that if you were a registered sex offender, you would know it. You would be required to register your address annually with your local police and go in and change your address any time you moved or were going to be away for an extended amount of time. Unless things are really different in VA, which I'm guessing that they aren't.

[relevantz]

Thanks for all of your replies. Still I am going through with a records check with the VA State Police to be certain.
It was a long time ago as I mentioned and I believe the charge was "Urinating in Public"
All of the best - R

[relevantz]

Good answer, neither is in the affrimative in that instance.
;)