Sex offenders given more time to challenge reclassifications

2-6-2008 Ohio:

CLEVELAND (AP) — A federal judge has extended the deadline for sex offenders to challenge their reclassification under a law that took effect this year.

U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan also stayed the law’s community notification provision for those who weren’t subject to it under the old law.

Under the Adam Walsh Act, offenders are automatically classified in one of three tiers by their crime without considering the likelihood of re-offending.

Gaughan made the rulings in a class action lawsuit filed by sex offenders who say the law denies them their constitutional right because their classification can be changed without a hearing. ..more.. by NewardAdvocate.com