Retroactive Sex Offender Registration

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Summary

In West Virginia, the law permits retroactive application of the Sex Offender Registry Act, including lifetime registration, even if the provision was added after initial sentencing. This was upheld by the Supreme Court decision in Smith v. Doe (2003). Consult a local attorney for personalized advice.

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I was charged with display of obscene matter to a minor in * sentenced in * they postponed my sentencing so they could retroactively add me to sex offender registry 23 days prior to being sentenced it became part of the sex offender registry act i feel thats its illegal for them to retroactively add it to my sentence
Hello ****, it's important to know the exact details of your case. Could you please tell me the state where this took place? Different states have different laws regarding retroactive application of the Sex Offender Registry Act.
West Virginia
Hello ****, in West Virginia:
- The state can retroactively apply the Sex Offender Registry Act.
- This was upheld by the Supreme Court decision in Smith v. Doe (*).
- You might want to consult with a local attorney for personalized advice.
So its legal for them to put me on the registration for life even though it wasent part of the act untill 2 years later
Yes, in West Virginia, the law allows for retroactive application of the Sex Offender Registry Act. This includes lifetime registration, even if this provision was added after your initial sentencing. Always consult with a lawyer for personalized advice.