Restrictions on Sex Offenders Use of Social Media Called Into Question

Judges and lawmakers often grant law enforcement substantial leeway in the types of restrictions which can be placed on people convicted of sex offenses. For instance, many states and municipalities restrict where people can live and work and even force them to check in or register with authorities for years after being released.

A relatively new restriction being placed on people convicted of sex offenses is drawing the ire of many civil rights advocacy groups like the ACLU: restricting or forbidding access to social media websites such as facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Authorities claim, according to the AP, sex offenders "prowl online hangouts," and that bans on social networking websites protect kids from the "real problem" of Internet sex crimes.

Opponents argue that these bans are an infringement the First Amendment rights to free speech of people who are no longer on probation, let alone in prison. Ken Faulk, legal director of Indiana's chapter of the ACLU, was recently quoted by the AP as stating that a broad prohibition of social media access on large groups of people is "something the First Amendment cannot tolerate."

In different parts of the country, judges are beginning to take skeptical views of these restrictions and ultimately agreeing with opponents by throwing out either part or all of these bans. Bans in Nebraska and Louisiana have been partially or completely thrown out and a restriction in Indiana is currently before the court, also according to the AP.

Restrictions on the use of social media are just another of the many post-incarceration penalties that people convicted of sex offenses face. If you are facing accusations of a sex offense, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to explore your legal options and better ensure that your civil rights are properly protected.