Ridding Sex Crimes of the Statute of Limitations
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) Republican Representative Carl Wimmer says there are two crimes that are exceptionally brutal:"One of those is when you commit a homicide. You can never give back that life when you commit a murder. The second section of crime that, I believe, fits in that category is sex crimes. Sex crimes are those crimes that you can never give back what you took. You can never give back the sacredness or the sanctity that was stolen and ripped away."
In Utah, sex offenses are governed by a statute of limitations - meaning there is only one specific time period after an incident during which prosecution can occur. Wimmer is sponsoring a bill that will eliminate this statute from sex crimes:
"I foresee a young girl being sexually molested at the age of eight. Let's say she's molested until the time she's ten, and she still does not feel empowered because of the situation to go forward and talk about it. But when she turns 14, 15, or 16 she does. We need to make sure that our laws are straightforward and make sure that we give them the opportunity to get justice."
Currently, a number of states don't place statutes of limitations on sex offenses, including Wyoming. The House Law Enforcement Committee passed Wimmer's bill unanimously during their meeting yesterday.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Misty Fowler said:
There are so many reasons a person wouldn't come forward and tell of sexual abuse. The thing is, the abuser needs to come to justice, and be prevented from hurting others. There should be no time limit on that prevention, because abusers will abuse again, it's never too late to put a stop to such horrible actions.
2. Emily said:
ALL states should have no statue of limitations for pedophiles! Wake up America! They are not able to be reformed, it is not a one time thing. It is, at times however cyclical. Even worse I say. We do, obviously live in a cyber world. It is beyond an epidemic. It is, and will continue to get worse. How many sweet souls must be destroyed before this is at the very least, attempted to be somewhat mandated/stopped? Ankle bracelets? Please.