An Ohio Appeals court has held, again, that Ohio’s Adam Walsh Act do not apply to individuals who were originally sentenced under Megan’s Law. The court, however, is awaiting further guidance from the Ohio Supreme Court. The case is State v. Davis, 2012-Ohio-3570. In 2004, the Defendant pled guilty to sexual battery and gross sexual imposition. He was sentenced to five years probation.
Pursuant to Ohio’s Megan’s Law, the sex offender registration system then in effect, the Defendant was classified as a sexually oriented offender, the least restrictive classification. As a sexually oriented offender, he was required to comply with the registration framework provided in Megan’s Law, including annual registration for ten years. Additionally, he was subject to the penalties under Megan’s Law for noncompliance. Full Article
Congratulations, Ohio, in making another bold move forward! This is the most recent of a series of cases in which the state of Ohio recognizes that the registry is in and of itself a PUNISHMENT despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Doe v. White in 2003. We need more states to take such moves…including California. Anyone agree?
I truly hope that Ohio makes the right decision. This is honestly a truly disturbing story. In California, as most people already know. there are High Rick, Serious and other offenders (Tiers of sorts). Sexual Battery and Indecent Exposure are normally considered Other Offenses and Non Disclosable. Furthermore, as the author stated, the gentleman was only required to register for 10-years initially. So, its very disturbing to see someone who plead guilty to an offense, has already registered for 8-years and had only 2 more to go when he finds out he will now be required to register for life and be required to re-register every 90-days! Highly disturbing. I can only imagine what he is thinking. THese laws need to be changed. Truly. Just think about it. You have plead guilty, did your time if necessary and gone on to be a descent hard working law abiding citizen and the states just don’t want to let go of you. Who would ever think anyone would be prohibited from visiting parks, beaches, libraries, living in certain area and now be prevented in participating in Halloween Events. Its just surreal. Whats next?
Bravo, Ohio! Finally someone called a spade a spade… here’s hoping the Ohio Supreme Court and other states will follow suit! (pun intended)
Yes. This is the right track. If you want more infomration as to why the registry is wrong go to change.org and look for “Abolish the Public Sex Offender Registry”. Or just search this title. It has many facts as to why the registry is wrong. The resgistry has created collateral damage via putting innocent people in harms way. Wives, husbands, and children that did not committ crimes but because of their association with one who did they are “bullied” by this registry. I agree if the person has served their time they shold not be punished for life. That is just totally wrong. Would you like to be punished for the rest of your life for a mistake you made and paid your dues for?