State v. Hancock
2012 Ohio 1435
Ohio Ct. App.2012Background
- Hancock convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in 1997; released February 1999; Megan’s Law required address registration for ten years under pre-1999 law.
- R.C. 2950.07(D) tolling provision tolls registration duties during periods of confinement and resumes upon release, effective March 30, 1999.
- Hancock later reincarcerated in 2002 and 2007 for about one year each.
- Indictment charged failure to register a change of address in November 2009; Hancock moved to dismiss as beyond ten years, State argued tolling extended obligation.
- Trial court denied dismissal; Hancock pled no contest; sentence concurrent with another case.
- Appeal contends tolling provision is retroactive and punitive under ex post facto/retroactivity principles.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether R.C. 2950.07(D) tolls are retroactive. | Hancock argues tolling creates retroactive, punitive effects. | State maintains tolling is remedial and applies retroactively. | Remedial; tolling applied retroactively. |
Key Cases Cited
- Cook v. State, 83 Ohio St.3d 404 (1998) (megan’s-law registration remedial, not punitive)
- State v. Williams, 129 Ohio St.3d 344 (2011) (Adam Walsh Act version punitive; retroactivity analysis separate)
- State v. Bodyke, 126 Ohio St.3d 266 (2010) (separation-of-powers issue; tolling not shown punitive)
- Hyle v. Porter, 117 Ohio St.3d 165 (2008) (two-part retroactivity test; express retroactivity first)
- State v. Ferguson, 120 Ohio St.3d 7 (2008) (pre-S.B.10 versions of Chapter 2950 remedi al)