Sex Crime FAQ

Access to sex offender information in California is provided to the public as the result of the Jacob Wetterling Registration Act, which was passed by the United States Congress and Megan's Law, which requires states to release relevant information about registered offenders to protect the public. Information about access to CA sex offender information can be found in the chart below.

Registration for Convicted Sex Offenders

On or after July 1, 1995, an individual is required to register who:

1) has been convicted or adjudicated of a criminal offense against a minor, sexual exploitation, or a sexually violent crime,

2) was on probation, parole, or work release status, or

3) was incarcerated on or after July 1, 1995. Registration does include individuals that have received a deferred sentence or deferred judgments and can include convictions from other jurisdictions such as other states and/or federal convictions. Only convictions after 1985 are on the registry, if they met the criteria when the law was passed.

What if my neighbors insist that I leave the neighborhood?

There is no legal way to force a sex offender from your neighborhood if he has not broken any laws. Simply living in your neighborhood is not a crime.

What regulations might sex offenders be subjected to after release from prison?

Sex offenders must register their address within five (5) days of moving. They will remain on the California Sex Offender Registry for ten (10) years, unless they commit another sex crime. After commiting a second such crime, they will remain on the Registry for life. For sex offenders on probation or parole, there is a wide range of restrictions--some are general and some tailored to the offender.

Need more information? Contact Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer, Richard Sudar for a free consultation.