In Louisiana, individuals convicted of sex crimes may have to face the consequences for the rest of their lives. After your sentence is served, you will need to register as a sex offender or child predator with the state. These records are public and can have a dramatic effect on your ability to find work and housing as well as maintain relationships with others. Depending on the severity of your crime, you may have to register for over a decade or even for the rest of your life.
Being charged with a sex crime can be a daunting and confusing experience. If you are facing sex crime charges in Louisiana, you need a dependable criminal defense attorney on your side. Your attorney will investigate every detail of your case to protect your rights and develop a solid defense strategy.
What Happens if You Have to Register on the Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry in Louisiana
While many states differentiate sex offender and child predator registries, Louisiana registers both types of sex offenders on the same list. After being convicted of a sex crime, you must register on the Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry. Those convicted of the least severe or tier 1 sex crimes will have to remain on the registry for 15 years. More moderate or tier 2 sex crimes require convicted individuals to remain on the registry for 25 years. Tier 3 sex crimes are the most severe and often involve violence or children. Those convicted of a tier 3 sex crime must remain on the sex offender and child predator registry for life.
Registered sex offenders and child predators face prohibitive restrictions on their lives. Some restrictions registered sex offenders have to contend with in Louisiana include:
- Not being permitted to reside within three miles of their victims
- Not being permitted to reside within 1,000 feet of any place minors gather (schools, parks, etc.) if the victim was under the age of 13
- Restrictions on travel and frequent check-ins with police officers
- Not being permitted to enter any child safety zone
- Restrictions on social media access
- Not being permitted to be employed at a school or other place where children congregate
Convicted felons often already have trouble finding housing and employment after being released from prison. Being on the sex offender registry only makes these stigmas worse, making it difficult for convicted sex offenders to live normal lives.
Possible Defenses for Sex Crimes in Louisiana
The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to achieve a conviction in any Louisiana criminal case. Fortunately, an experienced criminal defense attorney will have the expertise needed to erode the prosecutor’s case against you. Some defense strategies they may employ include:
- You were falsely accused
- The arresting officers violated your constitutional rights
- The police entrapped you into committing a crime when you would not have otherwise
- The sexual encounter was consensual
Your attorney will work with you to understand every detail of your case and determine the best strategy for your case.
Speak to a Seasoned Louisiana Sex Crime Attorney
At the John D. and Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, Attorney Eric G. Johnson and his staff are committed to providing their clients with top-notch legal services tailored to their unique needs. We are committed to protecting the rights of the accused in Louisiana and will advocate tirelessly on your behalf. To learn more and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our highly-qualified legal team, give us a call at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form today.
