Families of SOs Community Group
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Thank you for your numerous emails regarding a variety of issues related to sex offender laws in the State of California.
I understand that you are very passionate about public safety, as I am. You mention a variety of issues in your letter, but it seems that you generally believe sex offender laws are overtly broad and punitive in nature. (You point out the registration procedures and penalties, in particular) And while I do not know if this will assuage your concerns, I would like to give you some background as to the goals and objectives of Chelsea's Law. I believe you may find that your angst about this particular law is misplaced.
Our goal in Chelsea's Law was to focus on the most dangerous criminals - those who are willing to commit violent, sex crimes against children. Our belief was that this type of sex offender is a uniquely dangerous and brutal criminal, and that state resources and laws should adequately focus on these offenders. In fact, almost all of the sentencing increases and other provisions in Chelsea's Law only affect those whose crime was violent, sexual, and committed against a minor, like the man in the story you sent me.
You also somewhat state in your letter that law enforcement seems to be busy using its resources on those who have already paid their debt to society. Well, a piece of Chelsea's Law will bring about a new dynamic risk assessment evaluation, so that law enforcement can better focus on those they know to be of high risk to re-offend, as opposed to those who they know will not. There are other provisions in the bill as well which focus resources on those who are most likely to re-offend, as opposed to those who are less likely. It seems to me that you are worried about registrants who did not commit a violent sex crime against a child and are at low-risk to re-offend. Chelsea's law actually separates these registrants from those who are most dangerous to our communities - If an offender is actually low-risk they will be evaluated and treated as such, because of the provisions in law put in place by Chelsea's law.
While other laws have been criticized for imposing arbitrary new rules on a large and diverse sex offender population, Chelsea's law was not one of those laws. It did not broaden the definition of who is considered a sex offender or has to register, nor did it increase penalties for minor registration offenses. It also didn't create any more "intrusive" use of GPS monitoring than what already existed.
While I know that the law will not undo the crime that was committed in the story you sent me, at least we have taken steps to make sure that type of criminal does not hurt another child in this way. The man in the story you sent me will most likely serve a much longer term in jail because of Chelsea's Law. For this I am unapologetic as I hope you are.
Sincerely,
Nathan Fletcher,
Assemblyman, 75th District
I understand that you are very passionate about public safety, as I am. You mention a variety of issues in your letter, but it seems that you generally believe sex offender laws are overtly broad and punitive in nature. (You point out the registration procedures and penalties, in particular) And while I do not know if this will assuage your concerns, I would like to give you some background as to the goals and objectives of Chelsea's Law. I believe you may find that your angst about this particular law is misplaced.
Our goal in Chelsea's Law was to focus on the most dangerous criminals - those who are willing to commit violent, sex crimes against children. Our belief was that this type of sex offender is a uniquely dangerous and brutal criminal, and that state resources and laws should adequately focus on these offenders. In fact, almost all of the sentencing increases and other provisions in Chelsea's Law only affect those whose crime was violent, sexual, and committed against a minor, like the man in the story you sent me.
You also somewhat state in your letter that law enforcement seems to be busy using its resources on those who have already paid their debt to society. Well, a piece of Chelsea's Law will bring about a new dynamic risk assessment evaluation, so that law enforcement can better focus on those they know to be of high risk to re-offend, as opposed to those who they know will not. There are other provisions in the bill as well which focus resources on those who are most likely to re-offend, as opposed to those who are less likely. It seems to me that you are worried about registrants who did not commit a violent sex crime against a child and are at low-risk to re-offend. Chelsea's law actually separates these registrants from those who are most dangerous to our communities - If an offender is actually low-risk they will be evaluated and treated as such, because of the provisions in law put in place by Chelsea's law.
While other laws have been criticized for imposing arbitrary new rules on a large and diverse sex offender population, Chelsea's law was not one of those laws. It did not broaden the definition of who is considered a sex offender or has to register, nor did it increase penalties for minor registration offenses. It also didn't create any more "intrusive" use of GPS monitoring than what already existed.
While I know that the law will not undo the crime that was committed in the story you sent me, at least we have taken steps to make sure that type of criminal does not hurt another child in this way. The man in the story you sent me will most likely serve a much longer term in jail because of Chelsea's Law. For this I am unapologetic as I hope you are.
Sincerely,
Nathan Fletcher,
Assemblyman, 75th District
Laurie727
First and foremost, I want to congratulate you on your tenacity and determination! Your words were actually heard and seemingly listened to. THIS is a true example of how one person can take initiative and reach someone who has the power to make a difference. I am so proud that you are a part of our group!
firecracker1962
AWWWWWW Laure you're gonna make me blush LOL
firecracker1962
he did however side step the question i asked about Arnie he did not give me a answer on that one but he will be getting another letter from me soon
deleted_user
Congatulations on getting a response back. It is nice to know that they do listen at times and that these laws need to change. It affects so many of us here and most of all our children. Thank you! Alison
deleted_user
Good for you fire cracker! Hit a nerve with him, though he really did not answer your questions just blew alot of smoke your way with alot of wordyness....
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