CRITICISM

CRITICISM

Sex offender law

An Ohio law that went into effect Jan. 1 increases the length of time convicted sex offenders must register their names and addresses with law enforcement agencies and requires sheriffs to notify more community members. Among criticisms of the new policies:

Juveniles have low recidivism rates and should not be required to register, especially if it means their photos will be posted on the Internet.

Some courts refuse to appoint lawyers for convicted sex offenders fighting the new law because they say it is a civil penalty, not a criminal one.

The workload of sheriff’s offices will increase significantly.

The law applies retroactively, requiring those convicted of sex crimes before it went into effect to register for lengthier periods.

Source: Associated Press