Megan’s Law (S.C. Sex Offenders)


In 1995 a convicted child molester was arrested for the murder and rape of seven year-old Megan Kanka in a New Jersey suburb. The offender lived across the street from the Kanka residence, but law enforcement was prohibited from disclosing the presence of this child molester because at the time the law did not permit the release of sex offender information to the public. The law was changed to allow the release of this data to the public and on May 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the law, dubbed "Megan's Law" in remembrance of little Megan Kanka. 

The law is not intended to punish the offender and specifically prohibits using the information to harass or commit any crime against the offender.  It recognizes that public safety is best served when registered sex offenders are not concealing their location to avoid harassment.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER?
 Any person, regardless of age, residing in South Carolina who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, pled guilty or nolo contendere to a sex offense, who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in any comparable state court in the United States, who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in a U.S. federal court of a similar offense, or who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, pled guilty or nolo contendere to an offense for which he or she was required to register in the state where the conviction or plea occurred, is required to register.
(S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-430(A))

 
WHAT DOES “SEX OFFENSE” MEAN?

(1) criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, or third degree;

(2) criminal sexual conduct with minors in the first or second degree;

(3) engaging a minor for a sexual performance;

(4) producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a minor;

(5) assault with the intent to commit criminal sexual conduct;

(6) incest;

(7) buggery;

(8) committing or attempting a lewd act upon a minor under 16;

(9) peeping, voyeurism, or aggravated voyeurism;

 

(10) violations involving the following offenses:
      (a) obscenity involving a minor;
      (b) material harmful to a minor;
      (c) child exploitation; or
      (d) child prostitution;

(11) indecent exposure, if a court makes a
       specific finding on the record that, based
       on the circumstances of the case, the
       offender should register as a sex offender;

(12) criminal sexual conduct when the victim is a spouse;

(13) sexual battery of a spouse; or

(14) sexual intercourse with a patient or trainee.
      (S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-430(C))

Last Updated (Wednesday, 24 June 2009 17:17)