Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Uncertain what needs to be done

I am married to a sex offender, who is on probation for failure to register. Through his probation he is not allowed to reside at the house, since I have three minor children. He also has to attend group and individual therapy. This past year, in order for him to come visit and later on when he is done with probation I had to sign a safety contract. While I don't have 100% proof, it is my believe, that he has chatted on the internet pretending to be 19 and used vulgar and obsence language. He has (as far as I know) not made the attempt to meet any minors, and thus only chatted with him. I know that he thinks I wouldn't turn him in, but I am not sure what I should do with my suspicions. I brought it up, and he said he would quit going on the computer at the location that he frequenst. I asked for a divorce on different grounds, but now I was dragged into marriage counseling. What are my legal options without fearing retaliation from him, if in case he has committed such acts as far as approching minors on the internet, and how long until the statute of limitations runs out? Again the only way I have a suspicion is because aol messanger shows a warning level, when someone is being warned of inappropriate behavior. What should I do?


Asked on 12/18/05, 4:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Uncertain what needs to be done

You're in a great dilemma.

Your conscience has to dictate what you do about reporting him. This is more a question for your spiritual advisor than your lawyer. I can tell you all about divorce and all about separation but I can't tell you what to do when your husband continues criminal and perverted behavior. The one suggestion which I migh offer is - love him a little less and help him a little more. Violating him on his probation could mean years in a penetentiary. He is responsible for his behavior- you and your children don't need to have any part of it however.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/19/05, 7:09 am


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