UCLA: Sex offenders are among the most harshly punished criminals in the state, but how often does the punishment fit the crime?
Excerpt…. In my own research on incarceration and the law, I have found that these limits often lie in the regulation of sex offenders. Even as we reduce sentencing for drug, firearm possession, and other crimes, sex offender laws in the United States continue to expand and become more severe. Since the 1996 passage of “Megan’s Law,” for example, all 50 states require sex offenders–including juveniles in 37 states–to register and provide their personal information (including pictures and home addresses) on publicly available databases, often for the duration of their lives. Most of these registries do not differentiate between the severity of different sexual crimes—in other words, someone could be on the registry if they drunkenly urinate in public, or if they rape someone—yet clearly these crimes have different implications. Perhaps of even greater consequence than the registries themselves are the restrictions on work, travel, use of the internet, and housing that come along with sex offender registration. As the result of these restrictions, convicted sex offenders often wind up jobless and homeless, sometimes even mandated to live on the street.
Probably one of, if not, the best article describing our situation. Perfectly worded. Bravo!
I’m a veteran not considered a veteran . about to be in violation of fl. Law if I do not move into a suitable residence within the guideline’s of fl. Statute. I have no were to reside . o have no family life . . no help for PTSD . I can’t find a job that will hire me or any inroads to establish myself as a human being and not just a label
Dillon – please write to info@floridaactioncommittee.org, let us know where in the state you live.
If you are in SOUTH Florida, the following agencies might be able to help – If you are in another area of Florida, we will find the equivalent agencies:
Camillus House 111 NW 1st St
Miami, FL
(305) 375-1490
Miami Coalition for the Homeless 140 W Flagler St Suite 105
Miami, FL
(786) 469-2060
Chapman Partnership 1550 N Miami Ave
Miami, FL
(305) 329-3000
Miami-Dade Cty. Homeless Trust 111 NW 1st St
Miami, FL
(305) 375-1490
Concept House 162 NE 49th St
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 751-6501
Douglas Gardens CMHC – Homeless Assistance Program 701 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 531-5341
M. Teresa Mission of Charity 724 NW 17th St
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 545-5699
Miami City Mission 255 NW 71st St
Miami, FL 33238
: (305) 576-3725
Miami Rescue Mission 2010 NW First Avenue
Miami, FL 33242
: (305)571-2273
New Life Family of Catholic Charities 3620 NW 1st Ave
Miami, FL 33127
: (305) 573-3333
Salvation Army Miami 1907 NW 38th Street
Miami, FL 33142
: (305) 637-6700
VOA – Miami Transitional Housing For Veterans/Service Center 1492 West Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33135
(305) 644-0335
Community Partnership for Homeless 305-447-2033 / 305-329-3050
North Center
1550 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33136
Ms. Barbara Ibarra
Miami Coalition for the Homeless 3550 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 610
Miami, FL 33137
P – 305-571-8101
Operation Sacred Trust (Homeless Veterans) 1400 NW 54th Street, 8th Floor
Miami, Florida 33142
(855) SSVF-411 x816
Yvette Costa (Verde Gardens)
Miami-Dade Team Leader, Case Manager
Phone : (954) 703-4535 x824
City of Miami Homeless Housing Program 305-576-9900
866-733-3763
Miami Dade County Homeless Program 305-438-1055
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) 333 1/2 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
202.546.1969
Advocate Program, Inc. 1150 NW 72nd Ave #200
Miami, FL 33126
305-468-4100
America Works of Florida, Inc. 201 S. Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33131
305-329-5627
Goodwill Industries of South Florida, Inc. 2121 NW 21st Street
Miami, FL 33142
305-325-9114
HOPE South Florida, Inc. 501 NE 2nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-566-2311
United Way of Broward County 1300 South Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-462-4850
Veterans New Life Haven 21 Kentucky Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-791-2622
Veterans Support Organization 8358 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 302
Sunrise, FL 33351
954-537-3001 ext- 5
Miami VA Healthcare System 1201 N.W. 16th St.
Miami, FL 33125
P: 305-575-7000
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans 1492 W. Flagler St., Suite 101
Miami, FL 33135
P: 305-541-5864
Miami Vet Center 8280 NW 27th St Suite 511
Miami, FL 33122
P: 305-718-3712 Or 877-927-8387
It is hard to believe human beings are treated in this manner. I did time with people who committed murder and they are out and we’re able to get on with their lives. ie family life, home, good job. So how can we truly say we are a nation of second chances. When it really only applies to some. Be strong my brothers, and hold on our blessings are just around the corner.
I have a brother who served 12 years for a sexual crime. Since then he has registered frequently and now four times a year, plus he has to pay $25 each time he registers. He lives in Nassau County Florida. He has been out of prison approximately 20 years. I fail to see where there any resemblance of justice in this continual harassment by the state. He has had no recurrence of sexual offenses. Surely if we can parole and dismiss terrorists who have killed our people, we can muster up a little compassion for ones who have the paid the price for their crime and remained clean. Habitual sexual offenders should be discerned from one time offenders.
Clark – have your brother fill out a case consideration form.
My son is serving time for having sex with someone that said she was of age and was also introduced to him from her parents as their 18 year old daughter. They set him up and now they have destroyed his life. Where is the justice for this? No one can help we are told. His life is destroyed.
Join the party! It’s a travesty and many of us are very naive as to how our system REALLY works. I believe that we can change these laws but it takes all of us to do just a little. I am so sorry to hear of your situation. It’s so painful to be deceived by others and incredibly damaging to our psychi. Please join this group and become an advocate for yourself and others.