Why is the Registry Punishment?
I can’t believe that we are still having to answer this common sense question. Isn’t it obvious?
Apparently to the judges of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, who recently overturned a lower court’s decision that the registry was cruel and unusual punishment, it’s not so clear. Neither was it clear to the judge in the Southern District of Florida who felt that forcing people into homelessness due to Miami-Dade county’s harsh residency restrictions isn’t punishment either. Incredible given that two of the original defendants on that case had died homeless on the streets of Miami by the time the Court heard the case. How is this possible?
Well what is common sense to us isn’t necessarily common sense to a judge. We must remember that judges, like all of us, live in their own world, socialize with their own friends and exist in their own preconceived notions about society, crime and the law. In other words, they have no clue what’s it like to live one day in our shoes. If, just for a week, one judge could have his name, photo and information listed on the Florida Sex Offender Registry, make him go out and find a job, a place to live while raising two kids or try to find a partner to spend life with, then have him come back and make the decision as to whether or not the registry is punishment. Wouldn’t that be glorious?
Residency restrictions, going to our kid’s schools, having a shot at keeping a job, finding a place to live, going to church, all of these things can continue to be denied us because our presence on the registry isn’t punishment. This is hogwash. You know it but the Court’s don’t see it because apparently we have yet to make our case crystal clear.
In an effort to do that we want to compile a list describing in detail the punitive effects on a registrant, their family, friends, employers and others in their lives, experienced living a lawful everyday life. Please include your experience in the comments below. Be specific and we will compile your comments for a “master list” of the punitive effects of the registry. Also remember that this is specific to our presence on the registry, not the criminal conviction itself nor any hardships as a result of probation requirements. PLEASE only list events that happened to you, not commentary.
Judges don’t know what they don’t know, so we have to tell them. We look forward to your comments.
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I applied for a job that paid very well at my interview I explained my charges I explained I had pled guilty and took responsibility for my actions some 7 years earlier I explained I had completed probation paid my all of my fines early and had gotten married and had a infant child and just wanted to resume my life before I made a error in judgment in which no one was injured to not 1 not 2 but 3 interviewers all agreed I was a good candidate given my work history and experience and they would forward my application to HR in another state. The first phone call I recieved from HR was very friendly and welcoming they let me know the would be sending me paperwork for a background check I explained to the person my situation once again she asked how long ago and have there been any problems since I said no she replied then there shouldn’t be a problem. I received the background check paperwork filled it out returned it about a week later I recieved a phone call from the same person from HR offering me a position and a start date my wife and I were very excited I accepted. But about 2 days later I recieved another phone call from HR this time a different person notifying me that they were rescinding their employment offer this person sounded hostile and angry not only did she say they were rescinding their offer but I was not to apply to their company for any job openings offered by their company. Now mind you this is someone I’ve never talked to before in a different state after full disclosure to 3 people that I did have face to face meetings with. My wife and I were devastated we had hope for a new beginning and a brighter future just snatched away. I am currently working but at half the salary just above minimum wage at a labor position that has no future.
This is why:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m_epLZTtC8
Helloween hate and fear mongering.
Loss of Income or the Ability to Earn Similar Income Streams
24yrs. Later I’m still on the registry. My youngest daughter had to grow up without a Dad because no judge would enforce my visitation rights. I now have grand kids and my kids all but one live long distances from me. They can’t understand why I don’t keep in touch on Facebook and why I don’t go to the grand kids school events. I’ve lost several jobs when they find out I’m on the registry. Had to retire early because of it. I’m snubbed by neighbors that don’t know me because of it. I’m forced to being a hermit.
I called Disney World Customer service today. I said you laid off 15,000 employees and now just announced 720 union workers are also being laid off.
I said you guys are bleeding money but will not let an offender visit even if their crime was over 30 years ago. There response was “Yeah, anyone with a sex offense who tries to enter our parks will be immediately trespassed by the sheriff’s department and banned for life”.
Constant mental anguish, true remorse for pain you have caused and you live with , therefore, making positive strides in the right direction doesn’t matter as it is evident by the over policing amongst other things. Have to show flagged id at new dentist office hoping he won’t mess up my teeth… Last dentist forgot to fill in a cavity… He was new too… Makes me wander if my id has anything to do with this… The office personnel look at me with a disdain look. Fear for vigilante making an attempt to hurt me or, (better yet)my innocent family ,because I will defend myself to the extreme force neccesary which legally I would be within my right,but with these misguided ignorant current tense designations not sure. That’s all the FACTS i wana share for now.
Thank u.