How can I obtain information on sex offenders in my neighborhood?

If you want to search the registry to see whether any sex offenders or child predators live in your area, you can click here and enter your zip code, city, or parish.

Megan's Law: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When are sex offenders required to register with local authorities?

A. Pursuant to the Louisiana Penal Code, individuals convicted of committing or attempting certain sex crimes are required to register with the local police department within five working days of his or her release from prison or jail. Additionally, sex offenders must re-register every year within five working days of his or her birthday, moving, or changing his or her name. With few exceptions, the registration requirement is a lifetime mandate.

During annual registration, the registered sex offender is required to verify his or her name and address or temporary location. Failure to properly register may be a felony and may count as a Third Strike.

Q. What are the criteria to be designated as "high-risk" sex offender?

A. The Louisiana Department of Justice categorizes sex offenders as high-risk when his or her criminal history meets the statutory definition of high-risk, which includes offenders who have committed at least two violent offenses, at least one of which was a violent sex offense.

Q. Is the information on the Megan's Law site accurate?

A. Many of the sex offender registrants on the CD-ROM have failed to comply with state registration laws, and therefore the zip code listed for some offenders may not be up-to-date. Thanks to toughened Louisiana laws requiring annual registration, and making it a felony in some cases not to do so, it is estimated that the majority of Louisiana 's registered sex offenders are in compliance with the registration requirement.

Q. Why are local law enforcement agencies assigned the responsibility to determine when to notify the public about a registered sex offender?

A. The decision to disseminate information has been given to the local law enforcement agencies within the parameters of the Megan's Law statute because they are best positioned to determine what level and method of notification is appropriate for their community.

Notice of Duty to Register as a Sex Offender

IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A SEX OFFENSE, you may be required to register under Louisiana law as a sex offender.

The registration law may have changed since you were convicted. The sex offense for which you were convicted may have been added to the law requiring registration after the date of your conviction. If the offense was added to the registration law after your conviction date, you may not have received personal notice of your duty to register as a sex offender.

Check with your local law enforcement agency to see if the sex offense for which you were convicted requires registration today. To register, contact:

Louisiana State Police
State Sex-Offender and Child-Predator Registry
PO Box 66614, Box A-6
Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6614

Telephone: 225-925-6100 or 1-800-858-0551
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

IT IS A CRIME TO FAIL TO REGISTER.

If you have a question about your sex offense conviction or need to know whether your out-of-state conviction is the equivalent of a registrable sex offense in Louisiana , write to: Louisiana Department of Justice, Sex and Arson Registration Program.