Last weekend, we had the privilege of attending the 18th Annual NARSOL (National Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws) Conference right here in in Baltimore, Maryland. From June 25th to the 28th, the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel was filled with advocates, legal colleagues, registered people, families, and other professionals all focused on the goal of discussing and sharing advocacy strategies, legal and lobbying updates, tools for impacted families, and rational reform of the sex offense registry.
At Smith & Good Associates, we spend every day helping people navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system and the Sex Registry. Whether you are facing a first-time felony or trying to understand SORNA requirements, the fear of the unknown is the heaviest burden. Attending this conference wasn’t just about professional development; it was about gathering the latest tools, legal strategies, and best-in-class advocacy to help your future and your family.
What Did the Experts Say About the Future of Registry Laws?
One of the most impactful aspects of the conference was the deep dive into current legal challenges. We heard from Miriam Aukerman, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Michigan.
We also learned from Catherine Carpenter, Professor Emerita at Southwestern Law School. She is a leading scholar on restorative justice and the constitutional implications of sex offense policy. The consensus among these experts is clear: the current “one-size-fits-all” approach is failing both the public and the individuals forced to register. Both scientific and legal research clearly shows that registry laws don’t work to help protect the public and cost local and state governments millions of dollars annually of wasted taxpayer money.
Legal challenges in the courts happen throughout various states on a variety of different issues and topics. The NARSOL legal committee report specifically highlighted “legal claims that work,” focusing on due process and the “ex post facto” application of new laws to old cases.
How Do We Move From “Moral Panic” to Compassion and Evidence?
A theme this year was “Quaternary Prevention: Moving from Moral Panic to Compassion.” This session, along with talks from Amber Vlangas of the Restorative Action Alliance, focused on various components of evidence-based research, applications for families and registered individuals, and tools for navigating the registry. In our work, we see how the “label” of a sex offense can exist even long after the court-mandated time is served.
Amber and Shawn Barrera-Leaf from United Voices 4 Sex Offense Reform spoke about the human element, the families who are collateral damage in this system. They emphasized that public safety is actually decreased when we isolate individuals and prevent them from finding stable housing and employment.
Can Strategic Messaging Change Public Opinion?
One of the most practical workshops we attended was on Strategic Messaging and the Media. For many of our clients, the court of public opinion is just as dangerous as a court of law. This session focused on how to change the narrative from “fear-based” to “fact-based.”
Peter Dross, who spent over 30 years with the Center for Victims of Torture, brought a unique perspective on how to lead successful legislative advocacy campaigns. He reminded us that effective lobbying isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about being prepared with a strategy that will connect with your target population. Understanding each audience (elected officials, the court, the public, etc.) is critical to developing a messaging strategy that resonates. This mirrors how we approach trial preparation, we don’t just hope for the best; we develop a strategy, research the jury pool, run focus groups, and prepare for every possible outcome.
What Practical Skills Did We Gain to Help You?
The conference wasn’t all high-level theory; it included many “boots-on-the-ground” workshops that directly apply to the services we provide:
- Lobbying Tactics: Learning the “3-minute Advocate” tactics to help families talk to their representatives about SORNA reform.
- Employment After Conviction: A workshop titled “Working with Reality” provided updated lists of companies and strategies for self-employment as a survival strategy. Other workshops around self-employment and entrepreneurship help to lay-out how to be successful in starting and running a business. Additional content included best practices for interviewing, how to discuss your charges, and lists of felon-friendly employers.
- FOIA in Practice: Understanding how to use Freedom of Information Act requests to hold government agencies accountable for how they manage registry data. Information included how to submit FOIA requests, costs, timelines, appeals, and more.
- End-of-Life Care: A sobering but necessary session on creating assisted living plans for those on the registry, a growing concern as the population ages.
How Does Our Attendance Benefit Your Case?
You might wonder why a criminal justice consultant spends a few 12-hour days at a conference in the Inner Harbor? The answer is simple: knowledge is your best defense. Information is critical to understanding and navigating the registry.
By staying connected with organizations like NARSOL and experts like Miriam Aukerman, we ensure that the advice we give you isn’t just based on yesterday’s laws, but on tomorrow’s trends.
- We know the latest legal arguments and challenges that are being brought to state courts on a variety of issues and topics. State-level knowledge is important for registrants and their families who are living or visiting specific state.
- We have a deeper network of specialized attorneys, resources, and advocates to refer you to. Continuing to grow our network of experts, means we have more tools to stay up-to-date on laws, best practices, and how to survive on the registry.
- We understand the psychological toll of registration and can offer better family support.
Whether you are navigating International Megan’s Law restrictions or just trying to understand how to survive a registry-related charge, we are here to help. The 2026 NARSOL conference reinforced our belief that while the system may be broken, there are thousands working tirelessly to fix it, understand how to best navigate, and be a productive member of society.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
The criminal justice process is overwhelming, especially for first-time offenders. You don’t have to do this alone. At Smith & Good Associates, we provide a direct, no-nonsense approach to helping you navigate every stage, from pre-trial to re-entry.
If you or a loved one are facing charges or struggling with registry requirements, contact us today. We can help you understand what’s coming, prepare for the challenges, and find a path forward with dignity.
Call us or visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation.
Preparation is the difference between being a victim of the system and being a survivor of it. Information and knowledge is a critical part of the process – even after sentencing. We are here to help.
Disclaimer: Smith & Good Associates are consultants, not attorneys. We provide research, mitigation, and support services. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice regarding your specific case.