Miami, Florida. Two convicted sex offenders have filed lawsuits with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenging the County of Miami-Dade and its distance law. A distance law enforces how far away a convicted sexual offender must remain away from children prone areas. The State of Florida requires that convicted sexual offenders remain at least 1,000 feet away from where children congregate. This includes, but is not limited to, daycares, playgrounds, schools, bus stops, etc.
The American Civil Liberties Union is an enforcement group established to protect the rights of individuals as set forth in our country's Bill of Rights and Constitution. The lawsuit brought forward by the ACLU against the County of Miami-Dade argues that the government has gone further than the State of Florida requirements. Miami has an ordinance in place that requires convicted sexual offenders to stay at least 2,500 feet from locations where children gather.
The Plaintiffs, 22-year old Brian Exile and 31-year old Elliot Bloom, claimed in their suit that Miami's ordinance is so strict that they are unable to find suitable housing. The men have stated that the County of Miami-Dade has violated their basic civil rights to their need for shelter.
Exile and Bloom cited that in order to comply with the ordinance, the men have been forced to become homeless and reside under Julia Tuttle Causeway bridge. The suit claims that Miami's distance law has forced as many 70 convicted sexual offenders to also live under this bridge. The ACLU is concerned that these living conditions have created a "public safety crisis." The suit argues that the ordinance originally put into place to help Miami, has actually hindered it. The ACLU has argued that without a stable residence convicted felons are more likely to elude authorities.
No matter how uncomfortable the subject matter, most convicted sex offenders will be released back into communities after their sentence has been served. The State of Florida requires that those convicted abide by public safeguard regulations in addition to those felons released for crimes not sexual in nature.
If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is most important to contact an experienced attorney for assistance. Sexual criminal charges are not taken lightly by the Court system or in the community. An experienced attorney will remain in your corner to fight the charges against you and guide you through the complex Court system. Do not let the sexual offense charges affect your civil liberties or place in society; the accused are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.
