Any Minnesota resident who has ever been accused of a sex crime knows the challenges that come with such charges. Even family members of defendants can experience difficulties caused by these types of allegations. But, just how fair are Miinnesota’s laws when it comes to prosecuting and penalizing people for sex crimes? It seems that the answer to that question may depend on who you ask.
An organization known as Women Against Registry is calling for legislators to review and amend the state’s current requirements for the sex offender registry. Specifically, W.A.R. believes that too many of the more than 17,500 people currently forced to register as sex offenders should not be made to do so. They make this argument in light of the fact that many people are on the registry for minor offenses like mooning or indecent exposure, not for things that truly represent a danger to the public.
On the other side of the fence is a group called PROTECT. This organization believes that the state is too lenient on people accused of sex crimes. It points to statistics that indicate as many as 90 percent of defendants convicted of distributing or possessing child pornography are never put in prison. The group believe that the state lags other states in its treatment of these cases.
Clearly opinions about how to address sex crime charges varies across Minnesota. People facing these allegations may find it useful to talk with an attorney to understand exactly what options they have for a reasonable defense.
Source: Alpha News, “Should Fewer People be Listed in Minnesota’s Sex Offender Registry?,” Julla Erynn, Nov. 30, 2016
