Gives those reclassified time to file challenges
2-8-2008 Ohio:
Sex offenders reclassified under the state's newly enacted Adam Walsh Act can file legal challenges beyond the original 60-day deadline, a federal judge has ruled.
According to the Ohio Public Defender's Office, about 26,000 sex offenders were reclassified into a new, three-tier reporting structure. The Walsh Act went into effect Jan. 1.
Originally, those who wished to challenge the new system were required to do so within 60 days of receiving their state reclassification notices.
But according to a ruling this week by U.S. District Court Judge Patricia A. Gaughan, that deadline is extended ''until further order from (the) court.''
''It's important for people to understand that Judge Gaughan's order is not permanent,'' Ohio Public Defender Tim Young said in a statement released by his office. ''Instead, the order gives people who have yet to file their legal challenges more time to do so.''
The court ruling also puts a temporary hold on the community notification requirement for reclassified offenders who were not previously subjected to it. However, community notification still applies to offenders subjected to it under the old law. ..more.. by Ed Meyer, Beacon Journal staff writer
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