Probation violations must be proven to be ‘willful’

In Archie v. State, a case decided last week in Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeals, we are reminded that probation violations (unlike registration violations) need to be willful and substantial. Archie, who was on sex offender probation, was violated for (among other things) traveling outside his county without the approval of his probation officer. Although he was wearing a

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The Detroit News: Editorial: Sex Offender Registry afoul of constitution

Michigan lawmakers seem keen on making important reforms to the state’s criminal justice system, which should expand protections for civil liberties. Another item they should add to the list: Revamping the state’s Sex Offender Registry Act. The changes are overdue, especially since a federal appeals court decision in 2016 found several aspects of Michigan’s law were unconstitutional. Now the impetus

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HI: Hawaii considering sex offender residency restrictions.

Hawaii, like Arkansas, is considering imposing a residency restriction on persons required to register as sex offenders. According to a news report, the proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, playground or park. The bill is introduced by Rep. Scott Nishimoto, but

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