Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative
Washington State Sex Crimes Alternative Sentencing Defense
Attorneys at Rhodes & Meryhew, LLP represent people in the Seattle area and throughout the State of Washington who have been charged with sexual abuse or sexually motivated offenses.
If you have been arrested for a sex offense — contact our lawyers for immediate assistance and strong legal representation.
Treatment Instead of a Long Prison Sentance
Washington State recognizes that in certain situations, long-term treatment for sex offenders serves society's interests better than long-term incarceration does. The Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative (SSOSA) program was created to serve this purpose. SSOSA allows eligible offenders to receive a sentence of up to twelve months in the County Jail, with a long prison sentence suspended on the condition that the person successfully completes a treatment program and follows the requirements of their supervision. The prison sentence is only served if the offender violates the conditions of their release or fails to complete their treatment.
We believe that the more you know about the charges against you and the criminal justice system, the better you can defend yourself and assist your attorney. To assist you we have gathered information regarding the State and Federal laws that govern sex crimes and domestic violence offenses, the defenses to these crimes, evaluation and treatment resources and a whole lot more.
Visit our Information Centers to learn more...
The First Step - A Favorable Evaluation
In order to be considered for the treatment option you must first obtain a sexual deviancy evaluation that recommends you participate in the treatment program.
This evaluation looks at your amenability to treatment and the relative risk you would pose to the community. Obtaining a favorable evaluation requires that you go to the right evaluator for you and that you are prepared for the evaluation and know what to expect. At Rhodes & Meryhew we have extensive experience working with several evaluators and helping our clients get the best results. The wrong choice of evaluator, and poor preparation for the evaluation, can seriously affect your entire life.
Participation in Treatment
If an examiner has determined that you would make a good candidate for the program, a proposed treatment plan will be drawn up. Treatment typically consists of weekly groups meetings with a sexual deviancy counselor and may also include individual sessions with your counselor and required attendance at Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings.
If a court decides to exercise the SSOSA option - after reviewing the examiner's report, considering the victim's opinion on the matter, and taking into account various other factors - it must impose a sentence within the standard sentence range, suspend execution of the sentence and order you to spend up to twelve months in confinement. The court is then required to order treatment during the suspended sentence for a minimum of five years.
Call 206-264-1590 for a free consultation or send us an e-mail with a brief description of your situation and concerns.
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