Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Trick or Treating is not the same as it used to be. Now added to the list of concerns parents have when trick or treating, is their fear of people designated as sex offenders or predators.
Sexual predators and sexual offenders are different classifications based on certain criteria under the Florida Statutes. Through the Public Safety Information Act of 1997, Florida began listing sexual offender information available through a 24 hour a day hotline and on the Internet. Both sex offenders and sexual predators must register with the Florida department of Law Enforcement and their names, addresses and picture are posted on the sexual offender database.
The holiday of Halloween not only brings special concern to parents but also to offenders. In Florida, there are special requirements on Halloween for sex offenders and sexual predators, such as not being able allowed to display Halloween decorations, distribute candy or leave their outside lights on. However many state restrictions only apply to those individuals who are currently on supervised probation. As a result, many counties have stepped in by imposing different additional requirements on Halloween. These requirements vary by each county and each year there are changes so sex predators and sex offenders need to make sure they know the rules in the county in which they reside.
Jacksonville.com reported that in Duval and Saint johns county during Halloween sex offenders and predators are required to post a sign in their yard stating that they have no candy or treats at this residence, nor can they have on any outside lights or participate in any activities.
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