The California sex offenders law is also known as California’s Megan Law. Established in 1996, the Penal Code § 290.46. protects the public from sex offenders.
The law makes sure the general public are aware of registered sex offenders.
The name "California's Megan Law" is from a victim of rape and murder Megan Kanka. Megan, age 7, died at the hands of a convicted child molester living across the street. Her parents did not know that a child molester lived across the street.
Megan’s parents had the local authorities inform the public about sex offenders.
The parent's efforts lead other states to adopt this measure. Now “Megan’s Law” helps protect the public from sex offenders.
The California Sex and Arson Registry manages the primary source of information for sex offenders.
The registry updates the sex offender database with information from local law enforcement.
The registry also informs the general public of registrants that are violating registration. You can aid the registry by reporting any information you may have on a sex offender to your local law enforcement.
Offenses Requiring Registration and Community Notification Under ALA. CODE. § 15-20-20:
Kidnapping (CAL. PENAL CODE § 207, 209 (West 2008).) with the intent to commit:
Rape:
CAL. PENAL CODE § 290.015 (West 2008)
(a) A person who is subject to the Act shall register, or re-register if the person has previously registered, upon release from incarceration, placement, commitment, or release on probation under subdivision (b) of Section290.
This section shall not apply to a person who is incarcerated for less than 30 days if he or she has registered as required by the Act. He or she returns after incarceration to the last registered address, and the annual update of registration that is required to occur within five working days of his or her birthday, under subdivision (a) of Section 290.012, did not fall within that incarceration period. The registration shall consist of all of the following:
CAL. PENAL § 290.45 (West 2008)
(a)(1): Any designated law enforcement entity may provide information to the public about a person required to register as a sex offender by whatever means the entity deems appropriate, when necessary to ensure the public safety based upon information available to the entity concerning that specific person.
CAL. PENAL § 290.46 (West 2008)
(a)(1): On or before July 10, 2010, the Department of Justice shall make available information concerning persons who are required to register under Section 290 to the public via an Internet Web site as specified in this section.
CAL. PENAL § 290.95 (West 2008)
(a): Registrants who apply or accept a position that has direct and unaccompanied access to minor children must disclose their status as a registrant on their application for that position or upon acceptance of the employment.
(b): No registrant who has been convicted of a crime against a victim under the age of 16 may work in a position where the registrant would have direct and unaccompanied access to minor children or have supervision or disciplinary power over minor children.
CAL. PENAL § 3003.5(b) (West 2008)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any person for whom registration is required under Section 290 to reside within 2000 feet of any public or private school or park where children regularly gather.
CAL. PENAL § 290 (West 2008)
Within 14 days of entering any county or city; 10 days of changing the address
Yes, both adults and juveniles, including federal and foreign convictions.
Offenders update registration info annually with local law enforcement within 10 days of birthday; verify address with the Department of Justice.
If guilty of a misdemeanor, failure to register or update is a crime up to 1 year in jail; if guilty of a felony or have a prior failure, failure is a felony 16-36 months in state prison; mandatory 90 days imprisonment; parole/probation revocation.
Kids Live Safe put together a comprehensive parents guide about sexual predators and keeping children safe.
This free online eBook includes vital statistics, how to tell if a predator is victimizing a child, and social media and cyber-bullying.