With Halloween just around the corner, it’s important that you protect yourself from allegations of sex abuse or offenses. If you’re someone who is already on a sex-offender registry, you can prevent further allegations by making sure you take part in the holiday in appropriate ways.
For example, Halloween sex offender laws may state that you can’t pass out candy, because that would bring children close to your home. You could be told not to drive after dark, or you could be asked not to participate in your community’s Trick-or-Treat event.
The laws are meant to protect innocent children who could be put at risk if they were near someone who wanted to hurt them. However, violating one of these laws, even if your crime has nothing to do with children, can end up getting you in trouble.
With no candy laws, the requirements you face are to not give out candy. On top of that, you may have to post a sign that states you have no candy. If you don’t do this, it wouldn’t be uncommon for the police to come knock on your door to investigate, since you’re on the sex offender registry. In some states, like Florida, if you’re a paroled sex offender, you won’t be able to wear costumes on Halloween night either.
Some states also have operations that allow unannounced home checks by police who can make sure you’re at home on Halloween. You may want to speak with your attorney about your state-specific requirements, so you don’t step afoul of the law.
Source: FindLaw, “Halloween Sex Offender Laws,” accessed Oct. 15, 2015