Sex-Offender Registry Law Change Means Legal Fees for Challenger

A North Carolina man whose successful civil rights claim over the state’s sex-offender registration system was mooted by legislation enacted in response to his suit may recover attorneys’ fees, the Fourth Circuit affirmed Tuesday.

Because the legislative change came both after and in response to his legal win, he remained a “prevailing party” entitled to attorneys’ fees under federal fee-shifting provisions applicable to civil rights litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit said.

Kenneth Grabarczyk was required to register in North Carolina because he was convicted in Wisconsin of a qualifying sex crime, the court said.

North ...