The Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws (ACSOL) is dedicated to protecting the Constitution by restoring the civil rights of registrants and their families. In order to achieve that objective, ACSOL will educate and litigate as well as support or oppose legislation. The ACSOL website and recordings are provided as a service to registrants, registrants’ families, and others for general information only. The information on the website and in the recordings are not designed to provide legal or other advice or to create an attorney-client relationship. You should not take, or refrain from taking, action based on their content. Prior results and case studies do not guarantee a similar outcome in future representations. ACSOL accepts no responsibility for any loss or damages that may result from accessing or reliance on content on the ACSOL website and recordings and disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all liability with respect to acts or omissions made by registrants, registrants’ families and others on the basis of content on the ACSOL website.
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Janice's Journal
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Are sex offender registries reinforcing inequality?
Public sex offender registries are at the forefront of what I’ve described in my research as a “war on sex.” Offenders convicted of sex crimes are now singled out for surveillance and restrictions far more punitive than those who commit other types of crime. More than 800,000 Americans are now registered sex offenders. Tracking them has created a booming surveillance industry. Full Article
U.S. Counter-Terrorism Unit Targets Virginia Prisoner for Writing About Prison
Free Speech vs. Incarceration Nation: In case no one noticed ICE and the Counter-terrorism Units have branched out thanks in part to Trumps insistence on 'Mexican Rapists.' ICE' website keeps bragging about all the 'sex offenders' they've caught trolling the internet (never mind that the sex offenders are not 'illegal' its just easier to hook into long standing prejudices and pump up their statistics....
Janice’s Journal: Shame On the San Diego City Council
The San Diego City Council took the wrong action for the wrong reason last week when they failed to repeal the city’s residency restrictions which, if enforced, would prohibit registrants from living in virtually all of that city. The wrong action was taken by five members of the City Council who voted against repeal of the city’s residency restrictions. The reason for their votes...
The school of redemption
[vindy.mobi] We forgive. We hate. They are two polarizing traits that distinguish humans from all other species. In America, we are exceptional at both, and that is the paradox in “The Land of Dreams.” We watch news footage of kangaroo leadership and human atrocities in far-flung places and convince ourselves that we are an advanced and reasoned society as we sign checks to the...
The Practical Case for Parole for Violent Offenders
[NY Times] The American criminal justice system is exceptional, in the worst way possible: It combines exceptionally coercive plea bargaining, exceptionally long sentences, exceptionally brutal prison conditions and exceptionally difficult obstacles to societal re-entry. This punitiveness makes us stand out as uniquely inhumane in comparison with other industrialized countries. To remedy this, along with other changes, we must consider opening the exit doors —...
FL: Hundreds of Miami Sex Offenders Live in a Squalid Tent City Near Hialeah
Cradling a heavy box of Budweiser against his flour-dusted apron, Mario Medina clicks open the door and greets two waitresses behind the counter at La Cascada, a retro Cuban pizza parlor in Northwest Miami-Dade. Besides the voice of a sports commentator on the TV and sporadic blips from arcade games in the back, the restaurant is quiet, and all five tables are empty. It’s...
The Self-Identity of a Sex Offender
[counterpunch.org] Attitude, far from being “everything”, is simply an offshoot of the self-identity. People are constantly changing their self-identities, either to project the desired image or to gain personal growth. How do you perceive yourself? How much do you accept what other people want of you? Do their perceptions of you match what you want to portray? The men and women on sex offender...
The New Unconstitutionality of Juvenile Sex Offender Registration: Suspending the Presumption of Constitutionality for Laws that Burden Juvenile Offenders
In Smith v. Doe, the Supreme Court held that Alaska’s sex offender registration and notification statute did not constitute punishment and was therefore not susceptible to challenge under the Ex Post Facto Clause. In reaching that conclusion, the Court looked to the seven factors articulated in Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez. To evaluate those factors, the Court applied a presumption of constitutionality, conducting the sort of narrow factual...
Registrants Sue City of San Diego in Federal Court
Two registrants challenged in federal court today residency restrictions within the City of San Diego that prohibit registrants from living within virtually all of the city. The lawsuit was filed after the San Diego City Council refused to repeal the city's residency restrictions despite a recommendation from the City Attorney because the restrictions are "likely not enforceable". During the City Council's meeting on August 1, Councilmembers defended the city's residency...
MA: Landlord to sex offenders in Ware, on registry himself, says safe home cuts risk
Many of the 23 registered Level 3 sex offenders who live in Ware rent from another Level 3 sex offender who owns several properties and plans to provide a home for other offenders who need help. Full Article
OH: Petition started to romeve convicted sex-offender from Youngstown State football team
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A student at Youngstown State University wants a football player who was found delinquent of rape removed from the football team. And she’s started a petition to make her wishes known. Full Article Petition
IN: County prosecutor – State effort valuable tool for parents seeking child care
A new state registry is meant to help parents look into the backgrounds of the people their children spend time with. Last year, the Indiana State Legislature approved a child abuse registry, which became available in July. The registry, which is searchable by name, will provide information about everyone convicted of child abuse-related offense in Indiana from the past five years. Full Article
PA: Clarity on sex offenders: U.S. Supreme Court appeal needed for state ruling
The state Supreme Court has thrown into question the registration of as many as 4,500 sex offenders statewide. The case giving rise to the ruling originated in Cumberland County, and officials there have 90 days to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. They should file the appeal to gain clarity on two important questions: At what point are sex offenders unjustly punished and to...
Editorial, 8/5: Ruling gives justice to juvenile offenders
[journalstar.com] The blindfold seen on statues of Lady Justice worldwide represents how the judicial system must not be affected by outside influences. All who enter a courtroom must, too, be treated fairly. A Monday ruling by the 8th Circuit Court confirmed that justice must be blind to geographical boundaries and equitable to all juvenile Nebraskans, regardless of where they committed their offenses. By reaffirming...
Most would prefer to die than be regarded as a child molester
[purityofheart.org] Many people would prefer to die than live a lengthy existence regarded as a child molester, a brand new psychology study reveals. Experts repeat the survey by researchers in Florida, New York, and Australia highlight how strongly humans worry about their status. Plus they claim it might reveal why online bullying can drive youthful individuals to depression, suicidal ideas, or perhaps to place...
New documentary explores the false freedom of life on parole
There’s a story the mainstream media trumpets most loudly when it comes to parole, and it’s a frightening one: A violent criminal is released from prison, and within weeks or months of their release, a heinous, tragic crime is committed again. The lesson this story teaches the public is toxic, and largely inaccurate. When the only stories of parole we tell are those that...
After Exoneration,Jarrett Adams is Helping Others Wrongfully Convicted
Lester Holt interviews Jarrett Adams, who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault when he was just 17 and — as an attorney — is now helping others who are in similar positions as he used to be. Watch Video
The Well-Meaning ‘Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act’ Could Be A Trojan Horse
It's hard for me to argue about a proposed law called Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act. After all, I'm co-founder and CEO of ConnectSafely.org, an internet safety group, and have been active in child protection organizations for decades. But this proposed law, which has the support of several prominent Republican and Democratic senators, may have some unintended consequences both for tech companies and the...
2017 ACSOL Conference Videos uploaded
For all those who were not able to attend the inaugural ACSOL Conference - We Are All in This Together - (read the recap) in June 2017, several key note addresses, presentations and work shops are uploaded for remote viewing. You may view them on the Conference web site, or at our YouTube Channel. Thanks to all involved - especially our awesome Video crew!
Life as a Registered Sex Offender: What Is It Really Like?
This article is split into three parts: offense and registration; family, friends, and romance; and work and recovery. Part one, with questions on the offense and the registration process, is presented below. Full Article