Convicted Sexual Offenders -- No Way Back to Normal

October 14, 2009

For convicted sex offenders, successful reentry into society can be difficult, and for many, next to impossible.

October 14, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Convicted Sexual Offenders -- No Way Back to Normal

Article provided by Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC
Visit us at http://www.klacriminaldefense.com

For convicted sex offenders, successful reentry into society can be next to impossible. In most cases, it almost seems as if there are two agendas in place -- at odds with one another and neither allowing the other to rest.

On one hand, there is the idea that this convicted sex offender can at some point be reintroduced to general society. On the other side, laws and public opinion do not seem to allow this individual a second chance.

And so we have the constant battle between the idea that people can change, but the belief that they never will.

When Daniel Robinson arrived in East Palo Alto, CA, on August 27, it was the first time he'd been outside of locked doors since 1984. That was the year he was convicted of raping a 19-year-old-girl and sentenced to 21 years in prison. After serving 14 years, he was moved to a state mental hospital, where he stayed for the remaining 11 years.

It was there that he completed a comprehensive and challenging treatment program for sexually violent predators. Before leaving the hospital, three separate mental health evaluators determined that Robinson was safe to rejoin society, though he will continue to receive treatment.

Blame it on bad luck. Just as Daniel Robinson was preparing to move into his new home, Philip Garrido was arrested Antioch, CA -- about 70 miles away -- for kidnapping and keeping Jaycee Dugard for 18 years.

Immediately, a spotlight was shone on Robinson.

East Palo Alto Mayor Ruben Abrica sent alerts to every resident in the community, notifying them of Robinson's presence and asking them to attend a protest in front of his rented house. In addition to cost of living, the state is now paying for two security guards who protect Robinson throughout the day.

Even without the public protest, Robinson would hardly be considered free. In addition to a tracking device, he is also subject to random drug and polygraph tests. He cannot do things that the general public takes for granted, such as using the Internet. He also needs explicit permission to drive a car.

While technically "out" of state institutions, Robinson is still very much a prisoner.

Daniel Robinson's case is emblematic of many sex offenders who have done their time and find themselves back among the general public -- but carrying the lifelong stigma of past transgressions.

In some states, such as Georgia, released sex offenders have been left virtually homeless after accounting for all the restrictions on where they can live and work. For most of these individuals, there is no reentry into "normal" life -- merely bars of steel replaced by prisons of distrust and fear.

If you have been accused of a sexual crime in California, contact an experienced criminal defender to discuss your options.

Article provided by Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC
Visit us at http://www.klacriminaldefense.com

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