1-5-2010 Nebraska:
Law Took Effect Monday When Judge Lifted Restraining Order, Excepting Two Provisions
A new law requiring Nebraska to post the names of all registered sex offenders on a public Web site went into effect Monday after a judge lifted a temporary restraining order.
Before the law, only registered sex offenders who were at high risk to re-offend appeared on the site.
Attorney Stu Dornan represents 23 low-level sex offenders. Dornan said the new law is unconstitutional and lumps all sex offenders together regardless of their dangerousness.
Dornan said the change affects sex offenders' family life, their right to earn a living and even their travel plans.
He said that if an offender were to be hospitalized for more than three days, it's now considered a change of address. That can lead to prosecution.
"They can be prosecuted for a felony if there're unconscious and in a hospital. That's very much a deprivation of their constitutional right to seek liberty," Dornan said. He vowed to continue his fight in federal court.
Nebraska's attorney general said the new law will help protect society from sex offenders. The case affects sex offenders statewide.
"It's funny," said one man deemed a sex offender. "I would have dropped off the list the end of next year, right after Christmas. Now, it's for life."
The man said he got two years of probation for fondling a child in 1997. He said the new law adds to punishment he has already served.
"How can the government get away with making a law that is a blatant violation of my constitutional rights?" the man asked.
Sex offenders will now remain on the site from 15 years to life. The length of time depends of the offense committed, not on the likelihood of re-offense. ..Source.. KETV.com
No comments:
Post a Comment