By AP
Tulsa, OK – Okla. man challenges sex offender registration
(Information in the following story is from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)
TULSA, Okla. (AP) The Oklahoma Supreme Court is considering a Hallett man's challenge to the state's ability to retroactively extend the time he has to register as a sex offender.
A court filing shows James Michael Starkey Sr. pleaded no contest in 1997 to sexual assault upon a minor child in Calhoun County, Texas. He received a deferred sentence.
The Tulsa World reports that Starkey registered as a sex offender for 10 years after returning to Oklahoma. But legislators later extended the registration length and now Starkey must remain registered for life.
Attorney James Dunn says that affects Starkey's ability to sell American Indian crafts at public art events.
Corrections Department spokesman Jerry Massie said the requirements aren't a part of criminal guidelines and the case is more of a civil matter.