Chelsea’s Law is being billed as closing the gaps in existing laws for sex offenders. But some say in San Diego’s legal community are questioning whether the proposed law will really make anyone safer.
Chelsea’s Law would require lifetime parole for serious sex offenders. They would also have to wear GPS devices. But most of the state’s paroled sex offenders are already on GPS and their movements are only tracked once or twice a day. Critics say just because you know where someone is doesn’t mean you know what they’re doing.
Chelsea’s Law would also seek a one-strike rule for violent child predators. Defense attorney Gerald Blank says that rule is already on the books. He says Chelsea’s Law is redundant.
“This is another feel-good law that makes people feel safe when they aren’t really safe," Blank said.
Defense attorney Chris Plourd says the state would be better off making sure existing laws are enforced. Documents show authorities missed opportunities to put Chelsea King’s accused killer John Gardner away for years after he molested a 13-year-old girl in 2000.
