It’s that time of year again! Jack o’ lanterns, and candy and … you guessed it: lots of little kids running around in costumes all over the different neighborhoods around Michigan. It’s a really fun time for most people – getting dressed up as your favorite characters, going to parties, eating enough junk to fell a horse. But for Michigan’s sex offenders, Halloween means something completely different!
Lots of kids means lots of cops!
With so many kids out roaming the neighborhoods for “trick or treat”, many of them unattended by adults, and many of them dressed in costumes that are a lot more grown up (and in some cases sadly oversexualized) than is appropriate, the cops are hyper-aware of Michigan’s registered sex offenders. It also means police officers will be out in greater numbers. Which is why it’s so important that, if you’re a registered sex offender in Michigan, you abide by the rules and stay away from anything that could mean trouble!
Stick to the rules, and make smart choices this Halloween!
If you’re a sex offender, be sure to comply with the rules of Michigan’s sex offender registry, and if you’re on probation, make sure you are following your probation requirements. So what does that mean at Halloween time? Here’s the breakdown:
- Registered sex offenders are allowed to participate in Halloween traditions (passing 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 Halloween traditions that bring them into contact with children, like handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, or going trick-or-treating themselves with their own children.
Be aware, your local government may have other ideas for Halloween!
Some states have very strict rules about registered sex offender participation in Halloween, although Michigan doesn’t. However, that mean some local cities or townships might not decide to take matters into their own hands in the name of keeping kids safe. Believe it or not, there have been isolated cases of some Michigan communities (like Allen Park in Wayne County) where the local city council decides that trick-or-treaters are safer not taking candy from sex offenders, and so they ban them from participating. So before you turn on your porch lights and buy a bag of treats to hand out, make sure your local government is allowing you to participate.
Being a sex offender is often NOT a treat at Halloween time!
Being a registered sex offender is always tough, but certain holidays and community events can make you feel even more isolated than usual. So we’d like to take this time to recommend that you do all you can to legally and safely participate in your community. If you’re allowed to, take your kids trick or treating, Decorate your home and pass out candy. Have fun, butt make sure you’re following the law and that you’re in compliance with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry (SORA) requirements! And if you make a mistake, call the experienced sex crime defense attorneys at The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail). We’ve been doing this since the last century. We can help you now.