For many people, Halloween is their favorite time of year. The hilarious costumes, the spooky decor, the endless buckets of candy, what’s not to love? But for registered sex offenders in Michigan, the holiday can have a very different association, and it’s not a great one. Michigan is widely known for the highly restrictive limitations that the state of Michigan law puts on registered sex offenders. Some of those restrictions are also a part of the federal law or mandated by federal law. But did you know how that could play out at Halloween time?
First, let’s get the facts straight…
- Registered sex offenders ARE allowed to participate in Halloween traditions (like handing out candy to kids, or taking their own kids trick-or-treating) unless they’re on parole or probation.
- Any registered sex offender who is still on parole or probation in Michigan, is forbidden from participating in any Halloween traditions that bring them into contact with children. This includes handing out candy to trick-or-treaters or going trick-or-treating themselves with their own children.
Be smart – plan ahead so you don’t get into trouble!
So now you know – if you’re on probation or parole, stay home with your door closed and your porch light off (signaling that you’re not handing out candy to trick-or-treaters). Also, don’t take your own kids out and about to score candy, but rather arrange for them to go with friends or groups so they don’t miss out, and you’re not at risk of violating your parole. If however, you’re no longer on probation or parole, even if you’re still on the sex offender registry, you should be free to participate in the Halloween fun.
Check out your local city and township ordinances before making plans
The reason we say you ‘should’ be able to participate, is because some local cities and townships pass their own local ordinances in an effort to keep kids safe. There have been a few isolated cases where the local city council in certain Michigan communities (like Allen Park in Wayne County) decides that trick-or-treaters are safer not taking candy from sex offenders, and so they ban them from participating. So before you rush out and buy that bag of mixed chocolates, make sure your local government doesn’t have any rules against you participating.
Have a safe, happy and legal Halloween!
Halloween can be a tough time for registered sex offenders. Because there are a lot of kids out and about, there are usually more cops patrolling the neighborhoods as well. Sex offenders tend to come under a lot more scrutiny when there are a lot of kids involved, and it’s rarely a good thing. So we’d like to take this opportunity to suggest that you do all you can to legally and safely participate in your community’s activities. If you’re allowed to, take your kids trick or treating, decorate your home, and hand out candy. Have fun! But always make sure you’re following the law, and that you’re in compliance with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry (SORA) requirements!
If you’re accused of a sex crime, get immediate help!
Being accused of a sex crime in Michigan can have a terrible effect on your future. Being a registered sex offender is very limiting, and can have a detrimental effect on your ability to parent your own kids. It can also make participation in community events difficult, if not impossible. So if you’ve been arrested and charged with a sex crime in Michigan, it’s critical that you hire the best attorney you can afford to fight on your behalf. Call 866 766 5245 right now and speak to an aggressive and experienced sex crime defense attorney at The Kronzek Firm. We’re available 24/7 to fight for you by calling 866 – 7NoJail.