I recently discovered a friend of mine on the Megan's Law website. Is it right to inform other friends about this? Should I ask him and give him a chance to explain? How can I protect myself without invading his rights?
2007-09-29 16:33:08 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You saw his name there and still consider him a friend? I think the best thing to do is to be tactful and say nothing to him, but withdraw and cease all contact with him. As regards telling anyone, if you felt that someone was in danger from him, then you must tell them. Otherwise best to keep quiet and put some distance between yourself and this man.
2007-09-29 16:43:09 · answer #1 · answered by whitequeenshirley 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is in fact a friend rather than an acquaintance, why not ask him and hear his side? You might also check your county clerk's website and see if you can find his court docket (assuming he's lived in your area for awhile). That might give you more info before you talk with him. Did you "click" on his file within your Megan's Law website? At least for my county, there's more info right there (what and when he was charged, etc.) Don't forget there's various levels of sex offenses that get people on to the list. Some aren't worse than murderers, etc. that aren't on offender lists.
Obviously, you can inform your friends about it. But I'd at least try to talk to him first. You're not the only person that's going to ask him. His neighbors were probably notified in writing when he moved to where he's living.
2007-09-30 00:33:14 · answer #2 · answered by Dottie R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how good of a friend this is.
I looked at the registry from my county out of curiousity awhile back. There are several people I knew from high school on it. Occasionally dumb things get people on there -- one of them apparently slept with a freshman girl his senior year of high school and the other one followed around (stalked) an ex-boyfriend (who was still a minor) after being dumped and upset. (It was a small town -- so everyone knows everything)
So yes, the reason may matter (I'm not sure how many details your state gives -- including age of victim, date of crime, whether it was forced or something more like giving porn to a minor, etc).
What is 'right' I think would depend on the crime. Should you necessarily tell everyone he is in contact with? No
Should you suggest to certain people which might 'be at risk'? I would (as in if he had messed around with young children, I'd make sure parents of young children that I know are in contact with him know -- if it were a domestic issue with a girlfriend or ex-girlfriend, I'd let a friend that might consider dating him know).
If I felt I was at risk and needed to "protect myself", I would cut off the relationship and avoid being in "at-risk" situations with him.
I would argue with: . "Since he is not in jail, its unlikely that he raped a 3 year old." because raping a 3 year old in some states can carry a very little penalty (as little as a few months), especially if there was a plea and little direct evidence.
2007-09-29 23:50:42 · answer #3 · answered by contemplating 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lot's of innocuous crimes get you on Sex Offender registration...don't ring the alarm too quickly.
In some states you will have to register if you had consensual sex with your 15 year old girlfriend and you were 18/19.
If you "streak" you could be required to register if your streaking was scene by minors (like at a sporting event or a high school pep rally).
If this really is your friend...have a heart to heart if you still intend to be friends. Since he is not in jail, its unlikely that he raped a 3 year old. Sounds like he has done his time and just wants to get on with life...find out and make YOUR decision whether or not YOU intend to be friends first.
Edit: How do you argue with "it's unlikely...." I didn't say he didn't. I said it is "unlikely." I'm a criminal defense attorney and if you rape a 3 year old girl...trust me you do not do months. And if you are doing time...then a "little evidence" was apparently enough to get you convicted beyond a reasonable doubt.
2007-09-29 23:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by ironjag 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, it depends. Are you close to him? More important, do you have kids of your own?
I would be like "ooh, I found this online and thought there was some sort of identity issue you might want to check into."
2007-09-29 23:42:21 · answer #5 · answered by Harleigh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say, Recently I noticed his name on the list and I thought you might want to check it out.
2007-09-29 23:37:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell your friends they might find someone interesting on
the Megan's Law website and let it go from there
2007-09-30 00:08:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋