KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasFederal Judge Stops New State Sex Offender Law
A federal judge Wednesday put a stop to a new state sex offender law. The law would have reclassified sex offenders putting them in categories based on the crimes they committed.
Opponents say the new system is unfairly targeting non-dangerous offenders.
It means sex offenders who committed crimes years ago, and served their time, will not have to worry about their past resurfacing.
"It is an impossible law that they are trying to impose on people." People like Cameron Wolten. He is a registered sex offender.
"I was charged with a sex crime against an adult. I did my time -- 22 years -- and now in the state of Nevada they are trying to implement sanctions which would make it impossible to live," said Wolten.
Lawyers representing the Attorney General's office and those working with the ACLU both explained to a federal judge why the new law would work -- and why it doesn't.
The state says the new law would increase public safety.
Maggie McLetchie with the ACLU argued the law once again punishes sex offenders who have already served jail time. "You were throwing all kinds of people into this sex offender group -- anybody. Number of people could have qualified as sex offender under the definition. It made no sense. It would not have furthered public safety."
McLetchie says it would ruin hundreds of lives. "It would have put them at risk of losing their jobs, put their families at risk of violence."
Wolten says some sex offenders are considered more dangerous than others. And this is why the new law was challenged.
"Sex predators, you're mixed in the means with people that are killing and molesting children. I have an 8-year-old daughter. I don't have any issues like that. I don't want to be in that factor," said Wolten.
He says he has paid his dues and now he just wants to live his life.
"We are disappointed with the Court's ruling this morning and will be reviewing our options after receipt of the Court's written Order. We will do what is necessary to protect the citizens of our state," said Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.
The judge made it very clear his decision Wednesday has no affect on existing laws when it comes to sexual crimes against children.
