According to the Orange County Register, under a new county law approved by Orange County supervisors on April 5th, registered sex offenders will no longer be permitted on county beaches, in county parks or other county recreation areas without written consent from the county sheriff’s department.
Starting May 5, 2011, the new county ordinance will now make it illegal for registered sex offenders to enter specific areas without a written waiver. Waivers may be given under certain circumstances, but require written permission from the county sheriff. Violators face six months in jail and/or a fine of $500.00.
Prior to the new county ordinance, sex offenders were already prohibited from living within 2,000 feet of any school or park in California based on the voter-enacted Jessica’s Law. However, the new law significantly increases restrictions on the movements of registered sex offenders.
In fact, the new law covers the following areas: nearly 60,000 acres of county-owned parks, nature preserves, recreational trails, historic sites, harbors and beaches, including: Arroyo Trabuco Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, O’Neill Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo, Peters Canyon Regional Park, Santiago Regional Park, Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Caspers Wilderness Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park, Talbert Nature Preserve, Aliso Beach Park, Capistrano Beach Park, Newport Harbor, Salt Creek Beach Park, Sunset Beach Park, Dana Point Harbor, Whiting Ranch and Sunset Harbour.
One major question left unanswered is how the new ordinance will be enforced. Unless authorities expect to approach every individual on county beaches and parks, which would be an infringement of their civil liberties, it will difficult to enforce the new law.
If you or a loved one find yourselves facing a sexual offense allegation, it is important that you seek the assistance of criminal defense attorney who can protect you from unnecessarily suffering the severe and debilitating penalties of the offense. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in helping our clients defend themselves against sex abuse allegations. We will carefully review the facts of the case and devise the best possible defense strategy in light of current P.C. 290 laws. Call us today at (888)-749-0034. We will be there when you call.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
