Feeling depressed

[LeMarchel]

I just got out of prison last week after serving 4 years. I feel depressed. I have a guarantee job with the company my uncles works for. He got both my brothers a job. once I'm off tether/parole. I have good family and friend support but idk why I'm feeling this way. I think it's because 10 years ago when I was 18 I had sexted with my 17 year old boyfriend (we made a sex tape thinking it was cool) I got in trouble for child pornography (attempt) - but I did NOT have to register as a sex offender. Now though my parole officer is telling me I have to because I failed to complete probation by catching the case that sent me to prison - note it's unrelated and not sexually based in any fashion. So the thought of having to register over something I did at 18 (that I TRULY did not know was illegal. After all the age of consent is 16. So the act itself is legal, just not the fact we made a sex tape).


Im gonna meet with my PO on Wednesday to find out for sure, because when I was released from prison I never signed any paperwork or was told I'd have to register. Wouldn't they have let me know? I'm just depressed and worried it'll jeopardize me working with my uncle. No one besides my parents know about my past crime, because it was a simple misdemeanor and I never had to register so I didn't need to tell anyone. That's gonna be my career and livelihood. They travel out of state all the time for work so idk how that's gonna effect me either.


right now I sit at home all day. No car. I'm about to get a phone and license this weekend. Still though, I'm on tether which is fine I'm just worried about the future. I'm in Michigan too btw.

 

[Cosmic Trigger]

In your situation I'd feel depressed also. Hell I feel depressed in my situation and I guess it's nowhere near the challenges you are facing. I'd try and find something interesting to distract yourself. If there are no steps you can take to improve this then I'd do whatever you can to forget it until things unfold. Exercise outdoors is something that truly helps me. I take two or three hour walks or hikes daily and it really helps. Hobbies can help too.

Look you're just going to have to go through this so find something to work on in the meantime. Life is challenging and it's a drag to have to pay for something far in your past but that's the way this stupid culture works so try for something good right now. Best of luck to you.

 

[BeachBum4u]

First off, sorry you're going through such a rough time. If it were me, I would have my attorney check over everything to be sure everything is being done in your best interest. Maybe someone's missing something somewhere.

Also, as bad as some sex crimes can be, there are cases I've heard where they don't deserve to be swept up in the huge net they cast over all sex related criminals. Hang in there and make sure you do everything you need to so you can get rid of your paper.

 

[Trabbamab]

I'm very sorry you are having to go through this. I would highly recommend getting a lawyer if you can to speak to about your situation. This definitely sounds like something you should lawyer-up for and fight against. I have heard before that it is much easier and more effective to fight against being put on the registry than getting off of it once on. I am of course not a lawyer and have no clue what the laws are in your area. A lot of lawyers will give free consultations to give you an idea of your options and possible outcomes. They can also give you a better idea of what stage this process is in and can guide you on how to work within that process to avoid it if possible before having to come out swinging and sending the lawyers in and getting things ugly.

Best of luck! It would really be ridiculous for you to have to register because of the difference of a few months.

 

[herbavore]

I agree that you may need a lawyer for this if it actually turns out that they are going to try to make you register. Hopefully your PO will be a decent human being and try to help this ridiculous situation.

This would be a great time for you to check into mindfulness techniques that you can use to lessen the anxiety you are feeling. When everything is uncertain we tend to fill in the blanks with the scariest possible outcomes. Mindfulness can just help your rational mind get the upper hand and calm you down to reserve your strengths for when something bad actually does happen. I'm a terrible worrier by nature but I've gotten a lot of relief, especially in stress inducing circumstances like you are in now, from learning how to calm my own mind. Check out the mindfulness resources threads in Sober Living as well as here in TDS for resources that might help. Good luck and keep us posted after you talk to your PO.

 

[Escape Fantasy]

Let this be a lesson learned. Follow the law. Things can only get better from here on out, right? You need to rebuild yourself. If you want to build a better future, then you need to work! Hard work is the game. The only positive thing you can do from this situation is to let this make you a stronger person

GL