When you think of a sex offender, what do you see? Perhaps you think of someone who has raped an unwilling person, or you think of a person who is part of a child pornography ring. While doing these things can certainly be classified as sex offenses, there are also lesser known ways to be classified as a sex offender in Louisiana.
Take for instance this fact. If you’re under the age of 18 and take naked photos of yourself, you could be charged with child pornography and be listed as a sex offender, even though those photos were of you. If you send those photos to other states, which is easily possible with the Internet, you may face a federal crime for doing so.
Another interesting thing that happened in nearby Colorado resulted in several people having to register as sex offenders. According to the story, one of the residents has been accused of hugging a female too much at his elementary school. He had been 13 at the time, so should that be considered a sexual offense? The five residents have sued the state of Colorado over the allegations and for forcing them to be registered as sex offenders.
Indecent exposure can also potentially land you on the list of sex offenders in Louisiana. While it’s not likely to happen during Mardi Gras, flashing your breasts or genitals can be enough to get your name on that list. If you’re concerned about if you could be arrested or charged for showing your body parts, it may be best not to, especially if the context could lead to having to be on the sexual offender registry.
Source: Business Insider, “7 Surprising Things That Could Make You A Sex Offender” Erin Fuchs, accessed Mar. 23, 2015
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