A recent federal court ruling could significantly change the way Oklahoma sex offenders are punished for their crimes. The May 8 ruling was decided in favor of defendant Charles Goodwin, a sex offender convicted of lewd acts in 1994, who challenged his probationary release terms and won. If you have been charged with a sex …
A recent federal court ruling could significantly change the way Oklahoma sex offenders are punished for their crimes. The May 8 ruling was decided in favor of defendant Charles Goodwin, a sex offender convicted of lewd acts in 1994, who challenged his probationary release terms and won. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Oklahoma City, or elsewhere in Oklahoma, your first course of action should be to contact our criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center. Being convicted of an Oklahoma sex crime can significantly affect the rest of your life, and as Goodwin’s case shows, it is imperative that you are aware of your legal rights even if you have already been convicted of a sex offense.
Probationary Restrictions Sex Offenders in OK
The federal sex crime case in question involved a dispute about the terms of Charles Goodwin’s probationary release, which prohibited him from going online, even though the sex crime he was convicted of was not related to Internet use. Under Oklahoma sex crime law, convicted sex offenders are often subjected to blanket probationary restrictions on where they can live, work and spend their time. “[Goodwin] was saying, ‘I shouldn’t have to do all of these things,’” noted a legal analyst in reference to Goodwin’s case. “I think it’s the first step in what may be a trend.”
Less Severe Restrictions for Some Sex Offenders
With the landmark ruling in Goodwin’s case, judges may begin fitting the punishment to the sex crime. “If a sex offender did not do something related to the Internet for example, you’re probably not going to be able to restrict his access to the Internet,” said the analyst. “The courts seem to be saying, in the future, there needs to be a connection between the two, or they are not going to be able to restrict his (or her) access.” Although this change only applies in federal cases, unless the Supreme Court overturns it, the decision could spread to lower courts.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys for Legal Help
The rights of individuals facing criminal charges in Oklahoma are sometimes taken advantage of, particularly those charged with sex crimes like rape or possession of child pornography. Unfortunately, this injustice can have a dramatic effect on the defendant’s life in the future. If you are facing charges for a serious sex crime in Oklahoma, consult our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your possible defense options. With our reputable defense lawyers on your side, you can protect your legal rights and work to have your charges reduced to a lesser offense, or possibly even dismissed altogether.