State Legislation Targets Online Predators
MADISON - There's a new push to strengthen punishment for predators who target children online. Loopholes in the current laws often mean offenders only get a slap on the wrist.
Attorney General JB Van Hollen and state Representative Tony Staskunas (D-West Alls) introduced a bill that would dramatically increase sentences for child predators, even if those people don't actually harm a child.
The bill aims to double penalties for trying to meet children for sex. Van Hollen says, "There is nothing different in their actions when they're reaching out to someone they believe is a child, than when they're actually reaching out to a real child. We believe they should be punished accordingly."
Defense Attorney James Shellow, however, argues the law punishes people for what they would have done, rather than what they actually did.
"Because the penalties are so enormous now for what may be marginal or even innocent behavior, it's just going to be very difficult for a defendant to tell a judge, 'I want to plead guilty for something like this."
Supporters say the bill will only target predators who intend to have sex with children. The legislation will be discussed next week in Madison.
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