Reforming Florida’s Sex Offender Registry Laws
Folks, the threat is real. For decades lawmakers have argued that being publicly listed on a sex offender registry is not punishment. The Florida registration statute even says “[r]eleasing information concerning sexual offenders… and the release of such information to the public by a law enforcement agency or public agency, will further the governmental interests of public safety. The designation
Read moreA new law going into effect in West Virginia this week requires people on the sex offender registry to pay an annual fee of $125. The law, which can be found here, will hopefully be challenged. Since the registry is supposed to be non-punitive, it is questionable whether a fee imposed as part of a criminal sentence or as a
Read moreEvery so often we like to refresh our reminder that there are scammers out there using the sex offender registry to target people. Today the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Hinds County (Mississippi) Sheriffs Office posted warnings that scammers impersonating law enforcement officers are calling people on the registry and demanding money in order to remove warrants against them.
Read moreA New Jersey appellate court ruled that individuals seeking removal must substantively prove they no longer pose a threat to public safety in any way, not just sexual reoffense. A Middlesex County judge granted two men’s petitions on the basis that they were not a substantial risk of sexual reoffense, but the state appealed arguing the court failed to consider
Read moreFOUR BILLS: One board member has a drafted bill, written by another board member, pertaining to people on the registry who are cognitively unable to fulfill the 60+ registry requirements, yet required to do so by statute. Next week she will be sharing it with a representative that said he is interested in seeing such a bill. Several FAC members
Read moreCustody is a term we often associate with children or legal guardianship, but it extends beyond those common uses. To be in someone’s custody means to be under their care, control, and legal responsibility. Most of us live in our own custody—we control our choices, our schedules, and our futures. But for those who are incarcerated, that custody is taken
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