Victims may seek protection orders that can last for life

A court may issue a protection order for any length of time, including for a victim’s lifetime. These provisions concern victims of the listed sexual offenses and other specified crimes, and orders against the person convicted. For the listed sexual offenses and other specified crimes, a prosecutor may ask for an order during sentencing. After the criminal court’s authority ends, the victim may petition and submit evidence of the conviction. A court may take notice of facts behind the conviction, and the victim need not appear. A prosecutor may ask for an order during sentencing, lasting while the criminal court has authority over the person. After that authority ends, the victim may petition for an order.

Before disposing of a sexual assault examination kit, law enforcement must notify the victim in writing and get county attorney approval. These rules apply to law enforcement agencies holding sexual assault examination kits, even when the person who reported the assault has not filed a criminal complaint. The notice must explain the reason for disposal and any remaining options for keeping or analyzing the kit. At the victim’s written request, the agency must preserve the kit or its useful evidence further. Notice must be given at least 60 days before planned disposal. The agency must record a disposal in the kit tracking system within 48 hours.

A sex offender required to register must report job details and information about vehicles owned or regularly used to the sheriff. The reporting duty covers people required to register as sex offenders. The notice goes to the sheriff in the county of the person’s principal residence. The text says notice is due within three business days of a change.