Sex offender levels or sex offender tiers in Louisiana classify convicted sex offenders by the sex offenses’ level of severity. Registered sex offenders are categorized as a tier 1 sex offender, tier 2 sex offender, and tier 3 sex offender, with each tier determining the level of monitoring and restrictions imposed on the people convicted. If you are facing charges related to a sexual crime in Louisiana, a sex crimes lawyer can help explain the implications and provide a strong defense against the sex offense charges.
If found guilty of being a sexual predator in Louisana, you’ll face serious, lasting challenges. Call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge sex crimes lawyer at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown.
Levels of Sex Offenders in Louisiana
Louisiana’s sex offender registry divides sexual offenders into three levels:
- Tier I: Low risk
- Tier II: Moderate risk
- Tier III: High risk
These tiers determine the duration and conditions of sex offender registration, as well as the restrictions imposed on convicted sex offenders.
What is a Tier 1 Sex Offender in Louisiana?
A Tier 1 sex offender in Louisiana is classified as a sexual offender considered low risk to re-offend, according to Louisiana statute 15:541. Tier 1 sex offenders in Louisiana typically include individuals convicted of less severe sexual offense crimes not classified as aggravated offenses. Sexual offenders in the Level 1 category must comply with sex offender registration requirements for 15 years. Additionally, Tier I registered sex offenders must report to local authorities annually.
Level 1 Sex Offender Examples
Tier I offenses typically include less severe sex offenses, often involving consensual sexual conduct where the victim is above a certain age but still legally a minor. Some examples include:
- Stalking a victim under 18 years of age when the defendant is not the parent RS 14:40.2
- Sexual battery RS 14:43.1
- Indecent behavior with a juvenile or person under 18 years of age RS 14:81
- Illegal employment RS 23:251
- False imprisonment of a person under 18 years of age with a weapon RS 14:46
- False imprisonment of a minor if not the parent RS 14:46
- Delinquency of a person under 18 years of age RS 14:92
- Interference with child custody of a victim under 18 years of age when the defendant is not the parent of the victim RS 14:45.1
- Sexual contact that intentionally exposes someone to HIV or aids RS 14:43.5
- Incest RS 14:78
- Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile RS 14:80
- Prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student RS 14:81.4
- Obscenity through solicitation of a person under 17 years of age RS 14:106
- Crimes against nature RS 14:89
- Sexual abuse of animals (second or subsequent conviction only) RS 14:89.3
- Video voyeurism and voyeurism (second or subsequent conviction) RS 14:283
Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile
What is indecent behavior with a juvenile in Louisiana? This occurs when an adult engages in sexual conduct with a person under the age of consent in Louisiana, which is 17 years of age. The sexual crime involves lewd acts committed for sexual purposes, with convictions leading the sex offenders to comply with the sex offender registration for 15 years.
Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
This is commonly known as statutory rape and involves actual intercourse with someone who is between 13 and 16 years of age when the sexual offender is at least four years older. This is a serious sex crime with significant legal consequences.
If you’re facing charges related to statutory rape, you could be labeled as a Tier 1 sex offender in Louisiana. Our Baton Rouge statutory rape lawyer team has extensive experience handling these sex crimes.
Tier 1 Sex Offender Restrictions
A Tier 1 sex offender must provide sex offender registration information to the local law enforcement agency where they reside. Convicted sex offenders at the Tier I level are required to update their information annually and notify authorities of any changes. Restrictions may include prohibited employment and housing options.
What is a Tier 2 Sex Offender in Louisiana?
A Tier 2 sex offender is considered a moderate risk for public safety according to Louisiana statute 15:541(25). Tier 2 sex offenders in Louisiana typically include individuals convicted of moderately severe sex crimes. Sexual offenders in the Level 2 category must comply with sex offender registration requirements for 25 years, and Tier 2 registered sex offenders must report to local authorities annually.
Level 2 Sex Offender Examples
A tier 2 sex offender in Louisiana could be convicted of sex offenses such as:
- Sexual battery of a minor under 18 years of age RS 14:43.1
- Oral sexual battery RS 14:43.3
- Aggravated incest RS 14:78.1
- Pornography involving a person under 18 years of age RS 14:81.1
- Molestation of a person with a physical or mental disability RS 14:81.2
- Computer-aided solicitation of a minor under 18 years of age RS 14:81.3
- Prostitution: persons under 18 years of age RS 14:82.1
- Inciting prostitution when the prostitution involves persons under 18 years of age. RS 14:83
- Inticing or promoting prostitution when the prostitution being promoted involves persons under 18 years of age RS 14:83
- Pandering when the victim is under 18 years of age 14:84
- Enticing a minor into prostitution RS 14:86
- Aggravated crimes against nature (not aggravated offense) RS 14:89.1
- Operation of places of prostitution when the prostitution involves persons under 18 years of age RS 14:282
Tier 2 sex offenses, especially aggravated offense crimes, carry heavier penalties due to their impact on public safety.
Pornography Involving Juveniles
In Louisiana, possession or distribution of child pornography is a serious sex offense under state and federal law. Sex offenders convicted under such Porn laws in Louisiana are classified as Tier 2 sex offenders, which means they must comply with sex offender registration for 25 years.
Tier 2 Sex Offender Restrictions
Tier II sex offenders face stricter sex offender registration requirements. They must verify their information every six months and are subject to community notifications under the Notification Act. Restrictions may include limitations on residency, employment in certain fields, and proximity to schools or childcare facilities.
What is a Tier 3 Sex Offender in Louisiana?
A Tier 3 sex offender is classified as high risk and includes the most severe sexual predator crimes like sex trafficking and forcible rape. Tier III offenders are required to register for life. In Louisiana, a tier 3 sex offender may commit sex crimes involving sexual violence or aggravated crime, victims under 13 years of age, or show repeated predatory behavior.
Level 3 Sex Offender Examples
Level 3 sexual offenses include:
- Aggravated rape RS 14:42
- Second-degree rape occurring on or after August 1, 2015 RS 14:42.1
- Third-degree rape occurring on or after August 1, 2015 RS 14:43
- Sexual battery of a child under 13 RS 14:43.1
- Aggravated kidnapping of a minor RS 14:44
- Simple kidnapping of a minor RS 14:45
- Human trafficking RS 14:46.2
- Human trafficking of children for sexual purposes RS 14:46.3
- Aggravated incest RS 14:78
- Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability prosecuted under specific provisions RS 14:81.2
- Purchase of commercial sexual activity from persons known to be under 18 RS 14:82.2
- Aggravated crime against nature involving prohibited relative as victim involving sexual intercourse, 2nd-degree sexual battery or oral sexual battery OR when a bill of information or indictment specifically alleges victim under the age of 13 RS 14:89.1
- Sexual battery of the infirmed RS 14:93.5
Tier 3 Sex Offender Restrictions
Tier III sex offenders are subject to the most stringent restrictions. In Louisiana, a tier 3 sex offender must verify their sex offender registration information every three months, are subject to community notifications under the Notification Act, and are often under lifetime supervision. Restrictions for Tier 3 sex offenders may include electronic monitoring, strict residency limitations, and prohibitions on certain types of employment.
Some sex crimes may fall under federal law, such as cases involving human trafficking or distributing child pornography across state lines. A Baton Rouge federal criminal defense attorney can provide representation for these complex sex crimes.
Felony vs Misdemeanor Sex Offenses in Louisiana
Sex offenses in Louisiana are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors.
Common felony sex crimes in Louisiana include:
- First-degree, second-degree, and statutory rape
- Child molestation
- Pornography involving juveniles
- Human trafficking for commercial sexual activity purposes (sex trafficking)
- Sexual battery or sexual assault
- Aggravated incest
- Oral sexual battery
- Crime against nature
If charged with a felony sex crime, our Baton Rouge sex offense lawyers can provide legal assistance.
Misdemeanor sex offenses may involve less severe acts but can still result in jail time and require sex offender registration.
Common misdemeanor sex offense crimes include:
- Misdemeanor battery (or inappropriate sexual contact)
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution-related offenses (in some circumstances)
If charged with a misdemeanor sex crime, our Baton Rouge misdemeanor lawyers can provide legal assistance.
Louisiana Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Sex offender registration requirements in Louisiana are strict and apply to a person convicted of a wide range of sex offenses. Once found guilty, sex offenders are required to register pursuant to their classification into one of the sex offender tiers in Louisiana and within three days of release from prison or after changing addresses.
Louisiana’s tier system determines the length of the offender registry period:
- Tier 1 sex offenders must be on the offender registry for 15 years,
- Tier 2 sex offenders must be on the offender registry for 25 years,
- Tier 3 sex offenders are subject to a lifetime registration period.
Typically, the length of sex offender registration for convicted sex offenders is determined by their risk as a sexual predator or risk of subsequent violent sex crimes. Convicted sex offenders determined to be a high-risk or violent sexual predator must register for life, while other offenders will be registered sex offenders for 15-25 years.
All registered sex offenders must provide extensive personal information under Louisiana’s Notification Act, including their criminal history, address, employment, vehicle details, etc. The Notification Act, enacted for public safety, also mandates public disclosure of where the offender resides. Non-compliance with Louisiana’s sex offender registration procedures, such as can result in fines and imprisonment.
How a Baton Rouge Sex Offense Lawyer Can Help
When facing sex crime charges in Louisiana, our skilled sex offense lawyers will investigate the sexual offense charges against you, challenge the evidence, and build a strong sex crime defense. Convictions can lead to severe penalties, including prison time and registering as sex offenders.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation at 225-343-1111. Our skilled Baton Rouge criminal defense attorneys are ready to provide experienced legal representation for those charged with a sexual crime in Baton Rouge.
