Flanked by Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist, State Representative Dick Muri, and others, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2271 into law on March 27.
The new law will help prevent the release of sexually violent predators (SVP) into our community.
The bill was prompted by a recent Washington State Supreme Court case, in regards to the detention of John Marcum, which potentially entitled SVPs to a new unconditional release trial each time an annual review found a less restrictive placement or conditional release was appropriate even if the SVP had not shown progress in treatment.
The bill is known as “The Marcum Fix,” taking its name from convicted sex offender John Marcum.
“This fix helps keep the community safe and helps save money and time by preventing automatic and unnecessary court proceedings,” Lindquist said.
Yes, it seems that the constitution is unnecessary and the right to be heard in court is unnecessary. It seems they would prefer if our legislators become our judges and sentence us. Soon they might just vote for life in prison for any sex offense. With an exception for politicians of course.
Lake C,
Washington state has a habit of creating violent predeters. The state has an island for those caught, which says a lot. Since you live in IL, you can relate to violent society being created by those that live in it. So can I, having lived in Rock county WI bout an hour from ya. Seems like we get no closer to a perfect union despite volumes of law and enforcement. Yet we demand the fed to solve all, via laws and enforcement. We’ve gone so far as to demand a LIFE SENTENCE for Dr. Nasser when everyone of his victims all walked away. He, it seems, evokes fear into the people???????????????? Or is it because we are mad at him! Now that his face is burned into the brains of the people, how is it we see him as a threat? Mike Tyson is out on the streets so am I. Who will actually attack? Who will make the next victim? Only time will tell, prediction impossible. Truth be told it is more likely not a registrant. Why? Humans learn so do animals.
My son will complete his sentence (with good time) Before his appeal is heard.
We anticipate that his case will be remanded because he was not permitted a reasonable defense
to prove that there was not a sexual motivation.
Will he have to register upon release?
Susie:
If the judge ordered him to register as a sex offender during sentencing, he will have to do so until his appeal is heard and conviction overturned. He will need to be evaluated for a risk level, and if a Level I, he will not be publicly listed. If incarcerated with the Department of Corrections, they will do the assessment. If in county custody, the local police will do it. In any case, the local police will be the final decision maker on risk level. Unfortunately it is a power which can easily be abused.
You need to talk with your attorney about the sex offender registration issue. I do not know whether he is a minor or not, but that will make no difference on whether he has to register or be listed on the web site.
Note that any sex offender who is a transient, does not have a permanent home, is publicly listed on the SO web site.
Good luck to you and your son.