Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Sex Offender Registration

A friend of mine was found guilty of 4th degree sexual misconduct charges. His sentencing was scheduled approx 4 weeks after the trial.However, the week following the trial he set up an appointment with Adult Probation, they told him would have to register as a sex offender. He filled out the paperwork given to him and within days appeared on the internet as a registered sex offender. My question is: Why was he ordered to register prior to being sentenced. Approx 4 weeks after his picture was initially posted on the internet, he was sentenced to 16 months in State prison. His picture is now off the internet, I am assuming because he's in prison and doesn't reside at his home anymore. Does this in anyway violate his rights because he wasn't sentenced yet?


Asked on 8/08/06, 11:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Neil O'Brien Eaton County Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Re: Sex Offender Registration

Michigan's sex offender registration laws (which you can read at http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us/) require that all persons (adult or juvenile) convicted/adjudicated for a registerable offense actually register BEFORE the sentencing/disposition hearing. So, in your friend's case, the proper process was used.

It's possible (altho I'm not certain) that the SOR web site photo might come off the web when the person is in prison. But you can see info about prisoners (including mug shots) at the Dept of corrections web site (http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2.html).

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Answered on 8/15/06, 4:09 pm


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