Attorney praises state's registry override
Legislators recently overrode Gov. Rod Blagojevich's August veto of a bill allowing judges to decide whether juveniles who committed sex crimes can be removed from the state's sex offender registry if they are no longer a danger to the public.
Geneva attorney D.J. Tegeler has pushed for a change in a 2006 law that requires juvenile offenders to register on the adult sex offender list when they turn 17.
"In this case, the General Assembly did what was appropriate," Tegeler said Friday. "They protected juveniles; they protected society."
One of Tegeler's clients is a northern Fox Valley teen who was accused of a sex crime when he was 13.
The boy, now 17, took part in a doorbell-ditch prank in which he grabbed the breasts of a girl who also was 13. He pleaded guilty and has been a model citizen ever since.
Tegeler has fought to keep his client off the adult list.
The override means that beginning June 1, 2008, juvenile offenders guilty of a felony will be able to petition a judge for removal from the list five years after being sentenced. Juveniles guilty of misdemeanors will be able to petition within two years of sentencing. The judge has the final say.
Currently, the names of juveniles who commit sex crimes are on a separate list if they are 16 or younger. The list is available only to law enforcement, schools and day care organizations.
People can find out about a sex offender younger than 17 only if they can prove to police they or their child might be at risk.
Once offenders turn 17, they must register for the adult list, which is available to the public. This change took effect Jan. 1, 2006.
Tegeler was prepared to challenge the constitutionality of the 2006 law before an appellate judge panel. That plan likely will be scrapped due to the General Assembly's override.
"I think they sent the governor a very strong message that when legislation is done correctly, it should be up to the people, not the will of one person," Tegeler said.
Calls to Blagojevich's office were not returned Friday.
"I am concerned that this bill condones leniency toward sex offenders," read part of Blagojevich's veto message to lawmakers in August after he vetoed the bill.
Advocates for public registration say parents have a right to know whom their children are dating and who is living next door.