Technically I can't dispute the law, I never have. My opinion is my personal one and not to be considered state statute or federal law.
IMO, had RH not killed his son he wouldn't have been charged with exploitation of a minor *even if the law was aware of his sexting crime.* He would have been charged with something less but more appropriate in this specific circumstance.
He wouldn't be the type of guy the sex offender registry was designed for. He wouldn't be considered beyond rehabilitation or a threat to society or needing to be permanently banned from being within 10 miles of a public school.
The charge merely serves as a backup in the event he's found not guilty of murder. And I'm fine with that but only because I think he's a murderer. If he was being tried solely as a 'sexual predator' I would have a hard time finding him guilty. A pathetic, social reject randomly sexting anyone with two legs doesn't represent the type of predator we should fear roaming the streets. That person doesn't deserve the same punishment as a Jerry Sandusky.
I think RH deserves life in prison but not everyone who kills their child deserves the same level of punishment, even if they intended to kill their child. There was a woman who had grown twins residing in a nursing home. The twins had a progressive disease and were essentially 'locked in,' unable communicate and in terrible pain. She shot them both in the head out of mercy. She technically killed both of her sons but she's no Ross Harris. She was charged with a lesser crime and served zero jail time.
All murderers aren't the same and for those people, they aren't charged with murder 1. Same applies to 'predators or pedos.' It's no more "black and white" for a sex crime than it is for murder. There's plenty of discretion and a host of other charges that can be substituted for the offense.
Where does it say the sex offender registry is for the ones that are beyond rehab? It's for anyone that commits a sex offense.
What is a Registered Sex Offender?
A registered sex offender is a person, male or female, who has been convicted of a crime involving a sexual act where the federal, state or local laws require them to be placed on the Sexual Offender Registry after they have served their criminal sentences or when they have been released on parole. These acts can range anywhere from misdemeanors to felonies, and the definition of a sex crime can differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States all have created laws pertaining to registration on a national registry of sex offenders.
What are the Levels of a Registered Sex Offender?
The level of the offense depends on the crime committed, the nature of the crime, the age of the parties involved, and the propensity to recommit the offense. The federal government has enacted laws that define the terms and outline the tier of offense based on certain criteria. Each state is free to enact laws that are more strict than those enacted by the federal government. However, the states laws must be at least as stringent as those set by the federal government.
The Adam Walsh Act passed into law in 2007 set down standard criteria for classifying sexual offenders. Title I of that law established the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) required all U.S. jurisdictions to conform their registration laws to the federal guidelines set forth under the new law or face a penalty. However, the tier to which an offender is assigned only corresponds to the plea or conviction to which the offender was sentenced, which, due to plea bargaining or lack of evidence, may or may not be the whole of the crime committed. It also does not reflect the risk of a repeat offense.
Tier I Offenses (Level 1 Sex Offender) are typically of a non-violent nature with persons of the age of majority. Tier I offenses include registration on the Sexual Offender Registry for a minimum of 15 years, with verification on a yearly basis.
Tier II Offenses (Level 2 Sex Offender) are typically also of a non-violent nature, but involve minors. Tier II offenses require being registered on the Sexual Offender Registry for no less than 25 years, with verification of the information twice a year.
Tier III Offenses (Level 2 Sex Offender) is the most serious designated sex offender. It includes those convicted of violent and non-violent acts, with minors or adults. Tier III offenses require being registered on the Sexual Offender Registry for the duration of the offenders lifetime, with verification of the information on a quarterly basis.
What Criminal Charges can result in becoming a Registered Sex Offender?
According to U.S. federal law:
Sexual Act constitutes sexual penetration between the perpetrator and the victim.
Sexual Contact constitutes touching in a sexual nature.
Tier I Sex Offenses include misdemeanors and felonies such as:
Public indecency (lewdness);
Voyeurism;
Possession of child











(could include teen sexting).
Sexual contact without consent.
Tier II Sex Offenses include:
Any new offense perpetrated by a Tier I sexual offender;
Trafficking of minors for the purposes of sexual activity;
Transportation of minors for the purposes of sexual activity;
Using intimidation to elicit sexual activity;
Using bribery to elicit sexual activity;
Any sexual acts with persons between the ages of 12-15;
Any sexual contact with persons between the ages of 12-15;
Any sexual offenses where the offender has a position of authority over the victim, such as a parent or guardian, or those with temporary custody of the child, such as a babysitter or teacher;
Prostitution of minors;
Production or distribution of











that includes minors;
Any plans to commit or attempt to commit any of the above.
Tier Sex III Offenses include:
Any new offense perpetrated by a Tier II sexual offender;
Most sexual assaults.
Sexual acts where force was used on the victim or the victim was under duress;
Sexual acts where the victim is rendered unconscious or impaired through the use of drugs or alcohol;
Sexual acts where the victim is under the age of 12;
Sexual acts where the victim is unable of consenting to the act due to mental impairment or disability;
Sexual acts where the victim is unable to physically decline the act;
Sexual acts where the victim communicates their unwillingness to participate in the sexual act; and/or
Any plans to commit or attempt to commit any of the above.