Georgia Supreme Court says Calhoun sex offender's rights not violated

11-23-2009 Georgia:

The Georgia Supreme court voted to reject a Gordon County man’s challenge of state’s sex offender registry law. The law requires all sex offenders to register within 72 hours of a change of address; a measure the man says is unconstitutional.

Derrick Todd Dunn was convicted of statutory rape on Dec. 11, 1996.

In January of 2009 Dunn moved into the Calhoun Lodge on South Line Street in Calhoun, before moving into a new residence six days later on Jan. 23. On Jan. 26 Dunn registered his new address with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office where he was promptly arrested for failing to register the address of the Calhoun Lodge.

Failing to register an address of a sex offender is a felony, and after his arrest the state filed a motion to revoke his probation and return him to prison. Dunn had also failed to gain permission to move from his parole officer.

According to documents filed with the Supreme Court of Georgia, Dunn's lawyer argued that the current laws violate Dunn's rights because the requirements for notification are vague.

The opinion filed by the Supreme Court states the law specifically requires registration of any change of address and states that the information must include any current temporary residence. ..Source.. by Calhoun Times