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Megan's Law - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the procedure for viewing the Megan's Law Web Application?
- Is the information on the Megan's Law Web Application accurate?
- Why are local law enforcement agencies assigned the responsibility to determine when to notify the public about a high-risk or serious registered sex offender?
- When are sex offenders required to register with local authorities?
- Why isn't this information available on the Internet?
- What is the procedure for viewing the Megan's Law Web Application?
The public should contact their local sheriff's or police department to determine the nearest Megan's Law viewing station and local provisions for access. Public access to the Megan's Law information is statutorily required of the 58 county sheriff's departments and those police departments serving a population of more than 200,000. California residents who wish to obtain information from the Megan's Law Web Application must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They must also complete a form stating that they are not a registered sex offender and provide identification in the form of a California driver's license or California identification card.
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- Is the information on the Megan's Law Web Application accurate?
The Megan's Law Web Application uses the latest technology to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
The web application reflects that information provided by sex offenders as a condition of their registration requirements. The majority of California's registered sex offenders are in compliance with the registration requirements. However, zip codes may not be up-to-date on sex offenders who fail to comply.
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Investigation, works with local law enforcement agencies to arrest sex offenders who are not in compliance with California registration laws.
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- Why are local law enforcement agencies assigned the responsibility to determine when to notify the public about a high-risk or serious registered sex offender?
Local law enforcement agencies are considered to be in the best position to determine what level and method of notification is appropriate for their community.
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- When are sex offenders required to register with local authorities?
Sex offenders are required to register with local law enforcement agencies within five working days of being released from a local jail or state prison or completion of any alternate sentence. Sex offenders also 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" (Penal Code Section 290).
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- Why isn't this information available on the Internet?
In 2003 the Attorney General sponsored legislation (AB 488) that would have required posting registered sex offenders on a DOJ web site on the Internet. The state Legislature did not pass the bill, agreeing instead on another measure (AB 1313) to extend the current Megan's Law to 2007. In 2004, the Attorney General is again seeking passage of the bill (AB 488) to make information on designated registered sex offenders available via the Internet. The bill is pending in the California Legislature.
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