Self-Defense & Violence Prevention Blog

Jim Hines recently wrote an article about the need for revision in sex offender laws. I include an excerpt:

“Jessica’s Law,” while not perfect, assigns a much greater mandatory prison sentence (25 years) to those who rape or molest the youngest (under 12) and most vulnerable (disabled and seniors). It also mandates GPS monitoring for life for perpetrators released from prison. It makes no distinction between rapists who may be grandfathers, teachers, clergy or perfect strangers. It is desperately needed in Washington. We should also consider a penalty and danger “multiplier” or modifier. The larger the age gap between the perpetrator and the victim, the greater the punishment and scrutiny.

We must also discontinue labeling as a sex offender someone who makes a very bad mistake, but who represents very little future threat. A Hoquiam wrestling coach was sentenced for having sex with an 18-year-old female student whom he coached. While this crime deserves punishment, it seems an overreach to label this man a sex offender and classify his danger and risk the same as when Adhahn left treatment after his conviction for a violent rape.

We need to overhaul how we track and monitor offenders upon release. The most dangerous must be on a very short leash once released. There is a smarter and more effective approach available to our state’s leaders. Recent cases and this study should move lawmakers to immediate action.

I agree with Jim Hines that sex offender laws need revision. I also agree that age makes a major different. I find it absurd to classify someone who enters a sexual relationship with a high-school teenager the same as someone who forcibly rapes a girl under 12 years old.

Using the term “sex offender” too loosely weakens it. Making less dangerous people register as sex offenders the same as the most dangerous rapists undermines the sex offender registration system.

However, once a sex offender spends years in jail, the presence rehabilitation matters more than their original. The current system lets unrehabilitated sex offenders out–often with insufficient supervision and restrictions.

First of all, I suggest we get rid of maximum sentences for violent criminals. I suggest we keep them locked up until a professional certifies their rehabilitation. An offender has already shown a lack of responsibility, so the incarceration system has to become accountable for their actions. If the jail or prison releases an offender who then goes on to hurt more people or otherwise cause damages, we have to hold the jail or prison responsible for releasing the dangerous offender.

If the sex offender has not been rehabilitated, do not release the offender. If the sex offender cannot be rehabilitated, then keep the offender locked up for life.

What do you think?