Despite claims by Oklahoma sex offenders that state laws make it practically impossible for them to return to productive lives, Oklahoma lawmakers are considering strengthening the already harsh laws against sex offenders throughout the state. Oklahoma’s sex offender registry includes individuals convicted of a variety of sex crimes, not just those against children, but some …
Despite claims by Oklahoma sex offenders that state laws make it practically impossible for them to return to productive lives, Oklahoma lawmakers are considering strengthening the already harsh laws against sex offenders throughout the state. Oklahoma’s sex offender registry includes individuals convicted of a variety of sex crimes, not just those against children, but some lawmakers are arguing that the very nature of the offenses makes it necessary to crack down on offenders. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Oklahoma, your first course of action should be to enlist the help of our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center.
What New Sex Offender Laws Could Mean for You
“I will always vote to be the one that’s tough on crime,” said Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, during a recent debate over a measure to impose mandatory prison sentences for sex offenders who fail to register with the state. “I want us to remember that the people who are registering here include people who are rapists, child molesters. These are people that have done heinous crimes to members of our communities.” A former teacher named Regina McKay, who was convicted of second-degree rape involving a 17-year-old male, testified before lawmakers as the House considers revised laws that would prohibit sex offenders from entering state parks, or going to schools unescorted if their victim was under 18 – rather than 13, as the current law reads. The bill passed on a 12-1 vote.
OK Lawmakers Get Tough on Sex Crimes
McKay, who says she has “tried to stay out of the legislative fight for the past few years,” told the panel: “If bills like this pass, I will not be allowed to go to my nieces’ and nephews’ birthday parties. I will not be allowed to go walking in the park with my husband. I will not be allowed to pick up my children when they’re sick unless I have a chaperone with me. That’s impossible.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, the recidivism rates for sex offenders (slightly more than 5%) are much lower than for those convicted of crimes like larceny, robbery or burglary (more than 70%). Despite these statistics, lawmakers continue to “get tough” on sex crimes throughout Oklahoma, and the laws against sex offenders become more and more restrictive.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
“Obviously they’re making the laws tighter and tighter, but with their legislation it’s making it more difficult to enforce and easier for offenders to make a mistake or get so frustrated they try to duck the rules and regulations and not register,” said Chief Brian O’Rourke with the Enid Police Department. If you are facing charges for an Oklahoma sex crime, consult our criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center for legal help. Our attorneys will work diligently to help you build a strong defense in your case, and may be able to get your charges reduced to a lesser offense or possibly even have them dismissed altogether.