Louisiana
Louisiana Age of Consent Laws: Statutes, Penalties and Reporting
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited September 30, 2026). · 19 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Louisiana's age-based criminal protections cover any victim under 13 under first degree rape (R.S. 14:42(A)(4)), and victims 13 to 16 under offenses that include R.S. 14:42.1, 14:80, 14:80.1, 14:81 and 14:81.2, each with its own age-difference element, and R.S. 14:92(A)(7), which has none. R.S. 14:81.4 protects students 17 to under 21 from educators, and other offenses, including R.S. 14:46.3 and 14:89.1(A)(2), protect persons under 18.
To report a concern: if a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For Louisiana, the Department of Children and Family Services says: "Call 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437) to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Louisiana." The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453, call or text) can help you figure out where and how to report. Online exploitation can be reported to the NCMEC CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678.
Information last verified on 2026-09-29. This article has not yet been reviewed by a licensed lawyer. It is legal-reference information, not legal advice.
This page covers Louisiana's criminal statutes on sexual offenses involving minors. Federal law is summarized on the age of consent laws by state hub.
This page describes the main age-based sexual offense statutes. Other Louisiana statutes also protect minors, and one of them can apply even where none of the offenses described here does.
How Louisiana law protects minors by age
Louisiana's protections use several age lines and, for persons 13 to 16, an age-difference element that differs by offense. Under 13, the first degree rape statute has no condition on the other person's age. The table summarizes the main offenses, and the sections below describe each.
| Person protected | Condition | Offense | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 13 | None stated for the other person | First degree rape | R.S. 14:42(A)(4) |
| Under 15 | Victim at least three years younger than the offender (touching of anus or genitals) | Sexual battery | R.S. 14:43.1(A)(2) |
| 13 to 16 | Offender acts without consent; age difference three years or greater | Second degree rape | R.S. 14:42.1(A)(3) |
| 13 to 16 | Offender 17 or older; age difference four years or greater (intercourse with consent) | Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile | R.S. 14:80 |
| 13 to 16 | Offender 17 or older; age difference greater than two but less than four years (intercourse with consent) | Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile | R.S. 14:80.1 |
| Under 17 | Age difference greater than two years (lewd or lascivious act); lewd communications to a person reasonably believed to be under 17 and at least two years younger; or grooming by an offender at least four years older | Indecent behavior with juveniles | R.S. 14:81 |
| Under 17 | Offender over 17; age difference greater than two years; force, duress, intimidation or influence by virtue of a position of control or supervision | Molestation of a juvenile | R.S. 14:81.2 |
| 17 to under 21 (students) | Educator at the student's school; age difference greater than four years | Prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student | R.S. 14:81.4 |
Children under 13
R.S. 14:42(A)(4) provides that first degree rape is committed "when the victim is under the age of thirteen years," and adds that "lack of knowledge of the victim's age shall not be a defense." The paragraph states no minimum age or age difference for the other person. Where the district attorney does not seek a capital verdict, R.S. 14:42(D)(2)(b) sets the penalty at life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. Paragraph (D)(2)(a) contains a capital-verdict provision, and the official statute page notes that the section was included in the Unconstitutional Statutes Biennial Report to the Legislature dated March 14, 2016.
Ages 13 to 16
For victims 13 to 16, each offense in this list states its own age-difference element, except R.S. 14:81.3(A)(3) as noted below, and the element is part of the definition of that offense. Some other provisions, including R.S. 14:92(A)(7) and the R.S. 14:89(B)(2) penalty paragraph (whose status is noted in that section), state no age-difference element; they are described under "Other Louisiana offenses that protect minors."
- Second degree rape. R.S. 14:42.1(A)(3) applies "when the offender acts without the consent of the victim, the victim is thirteen years of age or older but less than seventeen years of age, and the difference between the age of the victim and the age of the offender is three years or greater." It was added by Acts 2025, No. 346.
- Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. R.S. 14:80(A)(1) applies to "a person who is seventeen years of age or older" who has sexual intercourse, with consent, with a person 13 or older but less than 17, "when the difference between the age of the victim and the age of the offender is four years or greater." The section provides that lack of knowledge of the juvenile's age shall not be a defense.
- Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile. R.S. 14:80.1(A) has the same elements where the age difference is "greater than two years, but less than four years."
- Indecent behavior with juveniles. R.S. 14:81(A) covers "any lewd or lascivious act upon the person or in the presence of any child under the age of seventeen, where there is an age difference of greater than two years between the two persons," and, under paragraph (3), "the grooming of a child under the age of seventeen, where the offender is at least four years older than the child." Paragraph (3) was added by Acts 2025, No. 97.
- Sexual battery. R.S. 14:43.1(A)(2) covers intentional touching of the anus or genitals where "the victim has not yet attained fifteen years of age and is at least three years younger than the offender." The section provides that lack of knowledge of the victim's age shall not be a defense.
- Molestation of a juvenile. R.S. 14:81.2 covers a lewd or lascivious act by a person over 17 upon or in the presence of a child under 17, where the age difference is greater than two years, "by the use of force, violence, duress, menace, psychological intimidation, threat of great bodily harm, or by the use of influence by virtue of a position of control or supervision over the juvenile."
- Computer-aided solicitation of a minor. R.S. 14:81.3 applies to a person 17 or older who knowingly contacts or communicates, through electronic textual communication, with a person under 17 where the age difference is greater than two years, or a person reasonably believed to be under 17 and at least two years younger, with the intent to persuade, induce, entice or coerce sexual conduct or a crime of violence. Paragraph (A)(3) separately covers contact with a person under 17 for the purpose of recruiting, enticing or coercing commercial sexual activity, without an age-difference element.
Educators and positions of supervision
R.S. 14:81.4 covers a different age range. An "educator" who has sexual intercourse with, or commits a lewd or lascivious act upon or in the presence of, a student "seventeen years of age or older, but less than twenty-one years of age," where "there is an age difference of greater than four years," commits prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student. The section defines "educator" as "any administrator, coach, instructor, paraprofessional, student aide, teacher, teacher aide, school resource officer, or security guard at any public or private school" at the school where the student is enrolled. It provides that "the consent of a student, whether or not that student is seventeen years of age or older, shall not be a defense to any violation of this Section." Acts 2026, No. 207 amended the definition of "educator."
Within molestation of a juvenile (victims 13 to 16), R.S. 14:81.2(B) sets higher penalty ranges where the offender has control or supervision over the juvenile, or is in a supervisory role that includes a religious, charitable, scientific, educational, athletic or youth-serving purpose, or is an educator of the juvenile.
Other Louisiana offenses that protect minors
- Trafficking of children for sexual purposes. R.S. 14:46.3 defines "child" as a person under 18. It makes it unlawful to recruit, harbor, transport, provide, sell, receive, isolate, entice, obtain or maintain the use of a child for commercial sexual activity, and, under paragraph (A)(7), to "knowingly solicit or purchase a person under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity." The section states that consent of the minor is not a defense and that lack of knowledge of the victim's age is not a defense. R.S. 14:82.1(A)(1) separately covers a person over 17 who has sexual intercourse with a person under 18 who receives or agrees to receive anything of value, where the age difference is greater than two years.
- Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. R.S. 14:92(A)(7) covers "the intentional enticing, aiding, soliciting, or permitting, by anyone over the age of seventeen, of any child under the age of seventeen" to "perform any sexually immoral act." It states no age-difference element, and lack of knowledge of the juvenile's age is not a defense. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to 2 years, or both, and R.S. 15:541 lists R.S. 14:92(A)(7) as a sex offense.
- Aggravated crime against nature. R.S. 14:89.1(A)(1)(f) covers an act defined in R.S. 14:89(A)(1) "when the victim is under the age of seventeen years and the offender is at least three years older than the victim," punishable by 3 to 15 years at hard labor without benefit of suspension of sentence, probation or parole. The official statute page for R.S. 14:89.1 carries no Unconstitutional Statutes Biennial Report note, and the Law Institute's 2022 report does not list R.S. 14:89.1. R.S. 14:89.1(A)(2) covers prohibited sexual acts with a person under 18 who is known to the offender to be a biological, step or adoptive child, grandchild, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece, and states that consent is not a defense; the penalty is a fine of up to $50,000, 5 to 20 years, or both, or 25 to 99 years at hard labor where the victim is under 13 and the offender is 17 or older.
- Crime against nature. R.S. 14:89(B)(2) and (3) set penalties for crime against nature under paragraph (A)(1) "with a person under the age of eighteen years" (fine up to $50,000, 15 to 50 years at hard labor, or both) and with a person under 14 (fine up to $75,000, 25 to 50 years at hard labor, or both). These paragraphs state no age-difference element. The official statute page for R.S. 14:89 notes that the section was included in the Unconstitutional Statutes Biennial Report to the Legislature dated March 14, 2016. The Louisiana State Law Institute's Unconstitutional Statutes Biennial Reports list the paragraph (A)(1) language as held unconstitutional, and the Institute's 2022 report, which reviewed the 2018 amendment of paragraph (A)(1), recommends repealing paragraph (A)(1) and paragraphs (B)(1) through (3), so the age of consent laws by state hub does not count R.S. 14:89(B)(2) or (3). The operative general protections for persons under 17 are R.S. 14:80, 14:80.1, 14:81 and 14:92(A)(7).
- Child sexual abuse materials. R.S. 14:81.1 is the child sexual abuse materials statute, and it provides that the sexting statute governs certain conduct by a person under 17. The full text of that section should be read directly for its age elements.
Penalties
The offense sections state the penalties directly.
| Offense | Penalty as stated |
|---|---|
| First degree rape, victim under 13 (14:42) | Life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence where no capital verdict is sought (14:42(D)(2)(b)) |
| Second degree rape (14:42.1) | 5 to 40 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence |
| Felony carnal knowledge (14:80) | Fine up to $5,000, or imprisonment with or without hard labor up to 10 years, or both |
| Misdemeanor carnal knowledge (14:80.1) | Fine up to $1,000, or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both |
| Indecent behavior with juveniles (14:81) | Fine up to $5,000, or imprisonment up to 7 years, or both; where the victim is under 13 and the offender is 17 or older, 2 to 25 years at hard labor |
| Sexual battery (14:43.1) | Up to 10 years without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence; 25 to 99 years where the victim is under 13 and the offender is 17 or older |
| Molestation of a juvenile, victim 13 to 16 (14:81.2) | Fine up to $5,000 or 5 to 10 years, or both; with control or supervision, fine up to $10,000 or 10 to 20 years, or both; in a supervisory role or as an educator, fine up to $10,000 or 10 to 40 years, or both |
| Computer-aided solicitation of a minor, victim 13 to 16 (14:81.3(B)(1)(a)) | Fine up to $10,000 and 5 to 10 years at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence |
| Prohibited sexual conduct, educator and student (14:81.4) | First offense: fine up to $1,000, or up to 6 months, or both; second or later: fine up to $5,000 and 1 to 5 years |
| Trafficking of children for sexual purposes (14:46.3) | Life imprisonment at hard labor for the conduct in (A)(1), (2), (4), (5) and (6); fine up to $50,000, 15 to 50 years at hard labor, or both, with at least five years without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence, for (A)(3) and (A)(7); for (A)(3) where the victim is under 14, a fine up to $75,000 and 25 to 50 years at hard labor, with at least ten years without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence (14:46.3(D)) |
R.S. 14:81.2 was last amended by Acts 2024, No. 597, and the current text sets a ten-year minimum term in (B)(2) and (3)(a). Habitual offender provisions and other sentencing rules were not researched for this page.
Sex offender registration
Under R.S. 15:541, the definition of "sex offense" lists R.S. 14:42, 14:42.1, 14:43.1, 14:80, 14:81, 14:81.2 and 14:81.4, and an adult convicted of a sex offense registers under R.S. 15:542. Misdemeanor carnal knowledge under R.S. 14:80.1 is not listed, and R.S. 14:80.1(F) states that the offender "shall not be subject to any of the provisions of law which are applicable to sex offenders, including but not limited to the provisions which require registration of the offender and notice to the neighbors of the offender."
R.S. 15:542 allows the court of conviction to waive registration for a person convicted of felony carnal knowledge (R.S. 14:80) "when the victim is at least thirteen years of age and the offender was not more than four years older than the victim," on the joint motion of the district attorney and the petitioner with documentary proof of ages. This is a waiver by the court and is not automatic.
Under R.S. 15:544, registration is for fifteen years from initial registration, twenty-five years for a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor, and for life for an aggravated offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 and in the other stated cases.
Recent changes
- Acts 2026, No. 207 (SB 98). Amended the "educator" definition in R.S. 14:81.4(B)(1); the bill status page shows an effective date of August 1, 2026.
- Acts 2026, No. 103 (HB 92), effective August 1, 2026. Added R.S. 14:42(A)(8) (force that overpowers the ability to resist). Section 3 of the Act repealed R.S. 14:43.3 (oral sexual battery). Paragraph (A)(4) is unchanged.
- Acts 2026, No. 838 (HB 784). Amends registration provisions in R.S. 15:541 through 15:543.1; sections 3 and 4 take effect January 1, 2027. The live R.S. 15:541 page still showed the earlier text when opened for this check.
- Acts 2025, No. 346 (HB 67), effective August 1, 2025. Added R.S. 14:42.1(A)(3).
- Acts 2025, No. 97 (SB 58), effective August 1, 2025. Added grooming as R.S. 14:81(A)(3).
- Acts 2024, No. 597. Amended R.S. 14:81.2; the current text sets ten-year minimum terms in (B)(2) and (3)(a).
Where to report
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services page says: "Call 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437) to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Louisiana." The national Childhelp hotline and the NCMEC CyberTipline are listed in the box near the top of this page.
Disclaimer
This page is general legal information about Louisiana criminal statutes as verified on 2026-09-29. It is not legal advice. Statutes change, summaries simplify, and the statute text controls. Anyone with a specific situation should consult a lawyer licensed in Louisiana.
Related articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the age-difference figures in the Louisiana statutes defenses?
No. In R.S. 14:42.1(A)(3), 14:80, 14:80.1, 14:81 and 14:81.2, the age difference is written into the definition of the offense as an element. Each offense states its own figure, so the figure depends on which section applies.
Which section protects students who are 17 or older?
R.S. 14:81.4 covers students who are at least 17 but less than 21 at a school where an educator is assigned, employed or working, where the age difference is greater than four years. The section states that the consent of the student is not a defense.
Where does the offense of misdemeanor carnal knowledge differ from the felony?
R.S. 14:80 applies where the age difference is four years or greater, and R.S. 14:80.1 applies where it is greater than two years but less than four years. The first is a felony with a penalty of up to 10 years, and the second is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000.
Updates
Corrected the description of the crime against nature statute, R.S. 14:89: the Louisiana State Law Institute lists its underlying offense language as held unconstitutional and has recommended repeal, so its under-18 penalty provision is not treated as an operative age-based protection.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Louisiana Revised Statutes
§ 14:80Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenileIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile is committed when: (1) A person who is seventeen years of age or older has sexual intercourse, with consent, with a person who is thirteen years of age or older but less than seventeen years of age, when the victim is not the spouse of the offender and when the difference between the age of the victim and the age of the offender is four years or greater; or (2) A person commits a second or subsequent offense of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile, or a person who has been convicted one or more times of violating one or more crimes for which the offender is required to register as a sex offender under R.S. 15:542 commits a first offense of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile. B. As used in this Section, "sexual intercourse" means anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse. C. Lack of knowledge of the juvenile's age shall not be a defense. Emission is not necessary, and penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 168 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Sepulvado (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1979, 367 So. 2d 762)“…endant, Frankie Sepulvado, was convicted for a violation of La.R.S. 14:80 (1950), carnal knowledge of a juvenile.…”
- State v. Granier (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2000, 765 So. 2d 998)“…In this case, the trial court declared a subsection of La. R.S. 14:80, carnal knowledge of a juvenile, uncons…”
- State v. Armstead (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2015, 2014 La.App. 4 Cir. 0036)“…ge of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, a violation of La. R.S. 14:80 A(l), and sentenced to ten years impris…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Age of Consent Laws by State: Statutes, Protections and Reporting
§ 14:80.1Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenileIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A. Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile is committed when a person who is seventeen years of age or older has sexual intercourse, with consent, with a person who is thirteen years of age or older but less than seventeen years of age, when the victim is not the spouse of the offender, and when the difference between the age of the victim and age of the offender is greater than two years, but less than four years. B. As used in this Section, "sexual intercourse" means anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse. C. Lack of knowledge of the juvenile's age shall not be a defense. Emission is not necessary, and penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime. D. Whoever commits the crime of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. E. The offender shall be eligible to have his conviction set aside and his prosecution dismissed in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure. F.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 31 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Munson (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2013, 12 La.App. 5 Cir. 327)“…arm, and one count of obstruction of justice, violations of La. R.S. 14:80.1, La. R.S. 14:95.1, and La. R.S. 14:130.…”
- State v. Lavy (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2014, 2013 La.App. 1 Cir. 1025)“…1004 with one count of second degree murder, a violation of La. R.S. 14:80.1, and pled not guilty. Following a jury…”
- State v. Butler (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2015, 15 La.App. 5 Cir. 89)“…r a/k/a “Poppa,” with second degree murder, in violation of La. R.S. 14:80.1, and two counts of intimidating a witne…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:81Indecent behavior with juvenilesIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
A. Indecent behavior with juveniles is the commission of any of the following acts with the intention of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of either person: (1) Any lewd or lascivious act upon the person or in the presence of any child under the age of seventeen, where there is an age difference of greater than two years between the two persons. Lack of knowledge of the child's age shall not be a defense. (2) The transmission, delivery or utterance of any textual, visual, written, or oral communication depicting lewd or lascivious conduct, text, words, or images to any person reasonably believed to be under the age of seventeen and reasonably believed to be at least two years younger than the offender. It shall not be a defense that the person who actually receives the transmission is not under the age of seventeen. (3) The grooming of a child under the age of seventeen, where the offender is at least four years older than the child. Completion or attempt to complete such act is not necessary to constitute grooming. Lack of knowledge of the child's age shall not be a defense. B.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 15:541
Cited in 446 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Parker (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2007, 963 So. 2d 497)“…ounts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, in violation of La. R.S. 14:81. He was sentenced on each *501 count…”
- State v. Holstead (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1977, 354 So. 2d 493)“…counts of indecent behavior with juveniles in violation of La.R.S. 14:81. After trial before a judge, defendant…”
- State v. Fussell (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2008, 974 So. 2d 1223)“…e First Circuit looked to the use of the plural form within La. R.S. 14:81(A)(3) (prohibiting "[t]he intentional p…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Louisiana Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties
§ 14:81.2Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disabilityIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A.(1) Molestation of a juvenile is the commission by anyone over the age of seventeen of any lewd or lascivious act upon the person or in the presence of any child under the age of seventeen, where there is an age difference of greater than two years between the two persons, with the intention of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of either person, by the use of force, violence, duress, menace, psychological intimidation, threat of great bodily harm, or by the use of influence by virtue of a position of control or supervision over the juvenile. Lack of knowledge of the juvenile's age shall not be a defense.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 376 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Miller (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1998, 718 So. 2d 960)“…ith two counts of molestation of a juvenile in violation of La. R.S. 14:81.2 C. [1] Specifically, the defendant is…”
- State v. Roca (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2004, 866 So. 2d 867)“…43.4 (oral sexual battery of a juvenile) and a violation of La. R.S. 14:81.2 (molestation of a juvenile). For the fo…”
- State v. Boehm (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2017, 217 So. 3d 596)“…with 50 counts of molestation of a juvenile, violations of La. R.S. 14:81.2. The offenses occurred from 2010 throug…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:92Contributing to the delinquency of juvenilesIn force
A. Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles is the intentional enticing, aiding, soliciting, or permitting, by anyone over the age of seventeen, of any child under the age of seventeen, and no exception shall be made for a child who may be emancipated by marriage or otherwise, to: (1) Beg, sing, sell any article or play any musical instrument in any public place for the purpose of receiving alms. (2) Associate with any vicious or disreputable persons, or frequent places where the same may be found. (3) Visit any place where beverages of either high or low alcoholic content are the principal commodity sold or given away. (4) Visit any place where any gambling device is found, or where gambling habitually occurs. (5) Habitually trespass where it is recognized he has no right to be. (6) Use any vile, obscene or indecent language. (7) Perform any sexually immoral act. (8) Absent himself or remain away, without authority of his parents or tutor, from his home or place of abode. (9) Violate any law of the state or ordinance of any parish or village, or town or city of the state.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
§ 14:42.1Second degree rapeIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A. Second degree rape is rape committed when the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of the victim because it is committed under any one or more of the following circumstances: (1) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act by force or threats of physical violence under circumstances where the victim reasonably believes that such resistance would not prevent the rape. (2) When the victim is incapable of resisting or of understanding the nature of the act by reason of stupor or abnormal condition of the mind produced by a narcotic or anesthetic agent or other controlled dangerous substance administered by the offender and without the knowledge of the victim. (3) When the offender acts without the consent of the victim, the victim is thirteen years of age or older but less than seventeen years of age, and the difference between the age of the victim and the age of the offender is three years or greater. Lack of knowledge of the victim's age shall not be a defense. B.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 446 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Schexnaider (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2003, 852 So. 2d 450)“…olation of La.R.S. 14:81, and forcible rape, a violation of La.R.S. 14:42.1. On June 23, 2000, Defendant entered pl…”
- State v. Vaughn (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1983, 431 So. 2d 358)“…ed in the statutes on aggravated (La.R.S. 14:42), forcible (La.R.S. 14:42.1) and simple (La.R.S. 14:43) rape, and t…”
- State v. Chandler (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2006, 939 So. 2d 574)“…ce, which fall only within the definition of forcible rape [La. R.S. 14:42.1 A(1)], and not those of great and immed…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:43.1Sexual batteryIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A. Sexual battery is the intentional touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the offender, directly or through clothing, or the touching of the anus or genitals of the offender by the victim using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the victim, directly or through clothing, when any of the following occur: (1) The offender acts without the consent of the victim. (2) The victim has not yet attained fifteen years of age and is at least three years younger than the offender. (3) The offender is seventeen years of age or older and any of the following exist: (a) The act is without consent of the victim, and the victim is prevented from resisting the act because either of the following conditions exist: (i) The victim has paraplegia, quadriplegia, or is otherwise physically incapable of preventing the act due to a physical disability. (ii) The victim is incapable, through unsoundness of mind, of understanding the nature of the act, and the offender knew or should have known of the victim's incapacity.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 494 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. James (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2010, 2009 La.App. 4 Cir. 1188)“…rt James, with two counts of sexual battery in violation of La. R.S. 14:43.1. [1] He entered a not guilty plea and…”
- State v. Schenck (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1987, 513 So. 2d 1159)“…n conduct did not constitute a sexual battery as defined in La.R.S. § 14:43.1, and, in all events, that there was ins…”
- State v. Davis (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2006, 947 So. 2d 201)“…ormation with two counts of sexual battery, in violation of La.R.S. 14:43.1. A jury subsequently found Defendant gu…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:46.3Trafficking of children for sexual purposesIn force
A. It shall be unlawful: (1) For any person to knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, provide, sell, receive, isolate, entice, obtain, or maintain the use of a person under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity. (2) For any person to knowingly benefit from activity prohibited by the provisions of this Section. (3) For any parent, legal guardian, or person having custody of a person under the age of eighteen years to knowingly permit or consent to such minor entering into any activity prohibited by the provisions of this Section. (4) For any person to knowingly facilitate any of the activities prohibited by the provisions of this Section by any means, including but not limited to helping, aiding, abetting, or conspiring, regardless of whether a thing of value has been promised to or received by the person. (5) For any person to knowingly advertise any of the activities prohibited by this Section. (6) For any person to knowingly sell or offer to sell travel services that include or facilitate any of the activities prohibited by this Section.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State ex rel. M.J. (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2015, 2014 La.App. 4 Cir. 0622)“…trafficking of children for sexual purposes as provided in La. R.S. 14:46.3(E).” The provision of La. R.S. 14:46.3(…”
- State v. Lampley (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2018, 265 So. 3d 799)“…trafficking of children for sexual purposes, a violation of La. R.S. 14:46.3, and on counts two, three, and four wit…”
- State v. Anderson (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2017, 16 La.App. 3 Cir. 588)“…e as La.R.S. 14:78.1; and human trafficking, a violation of La. R.S. 14:46.3. On September 2, 2014, Defendant entere…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:81.1Child sexual abuse materialsIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
A.(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to produce, promote, advertise, distribute, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute child sexual abuse materials. (2) It shall also be a violation of the provision of this Section for a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of the child in child sexual abuse materials. B. For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) "Access software provider" means a provider of software, including client or server software, or enabling tools that do any one or more of the following: (a) Filter, screen, allow, or disallow content. (b) Select, choose, analyze, or digest content. (c) Transmit, receive, display, forward, cache, search, organize, reorganize, or translate content. (2) "Cable operator" means any person or group of persons who provides cable service over a cable system and directly, or through one or more affiliates, owns a significant interest in such cable system, or who otherwise controls or is responsible for, through any arrangement, the management and operation of such a cable system.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 128 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Steines (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2017, 245 So. 3d 224)“…e count of pornography involving juveniles, in violation of La. R.S. 14:81.1, and two counts of aggravated incest, i…”
- State v. Fussell (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2008, 974 So. 2d 1223)“…peal regarding the proper interpretation and application of La. R.S. 14:81.1(A)(3), [1] relating to the intentional…”
- State v. Roberts (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2001, 796 So. 2d 779)“…mation with pornography involving juveniles, a violation of La.R.S. 14:81.1. The trial judge convicted him of the c…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Louisiana Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026), Louisiana Pornography Laws (2026): Legal Status & Age Verification
§ 14:81.3Computer-aided solicitation of a minorIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
A.(1) Computer-aided solicitation of a minor is committed when a person seventeen years of age or older knowingly contacts or communicates, through the use of electronic textual communication, with a person who has not yet attained the age of seventeen where there is an age difference of greater than two years, or a person reasonably believed to have not yet attained the age of seventeen and reasonably believed to be at least two years younger, for the purpose of or with the intent to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the person to engage or participate in sexual conduct or a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B), or with the intent to engage or participate in sexual conduct in the presence of the person who has not yet attained the age of seventeen, or person reasonably believed to have not yet attained the age of seventeen.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 26 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Hatton (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2008, 985 So. 2d 709)“…court granted defendant's Motion to Quash on the basis that La. R.S. 14:81.3(C)(3) violates La. Const. art. I, § 22,…”
- State v. Green (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2015, 164 So. 3d 331)“…the computer-aided solicitation of a minor, in violation of La. R.S. 14:81.3. He was sentenced to serve 10 years’ im…”
- State v. Prine (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2009, 13 So. 3d 758)“…a minor that occurred on February 19, 2007, in violation of La. R.S. 14:81.3 and in *760 a separate b…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:81.4Prohibited sexual conduct between educator and studentIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A. Prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and a student is committed when any of the following occur: (1) An educator has sexual intercourse with a person who is seventeen years of age or older, but less than twenty-one years of age, where there is an age difference of greater than four years between the two persons, when the victim is not the spouse of the offender and is a student at the school where the educator is assigned, employed, or working at the time of the offense. (2) An educator commits any lewd or lascivious act upon a student or in the virtual or physical presence of a student who is seventeen years of age or older, but less than twenty-one years of age, where there is an age difference of greater than four years between the two persons, with the intention of gratifying the sexual desires of either person, when the victim is a student at the school in which the educator is assigned, employed, or working at the time of the offense.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2015
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Gillespie v. Calcasieu Parish School Board (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2015, 15 La.App. 3 Cir. 647)“…duct between educator and student.- See La.R.S. 14:81 and La.R.S. 14:81.4. . See, e.g., La.R.S. 9:2798.1,…”
- Steven Gillespie v. Calcasieu Parish School Board (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2015)“…conduct between educator and student. See La.R.S. 14:81 and La.R.S. 14:81.4. 3 See, e.g.,, La.R.S…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:82.1Prostitution; persons under eighteen; additional offensesIn force
A. It shall be unlawful: (1) For any person over the age of seventeen to engage in sexual intercourse with any person under the age of eighteen who is practicing prostitution, and there is an age difference of greater than two years between the two persons. (2) For any parent or tutor of any person under the age of eighteen knowingly to consent to the person's entrance or detention in the practice of prostitution. B.(1) Lack of knowledge of the age of the person practicing prostitution shall not be a defense. (2) It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the person practicing prostitution consented to the activity prohibited by this Section. C. As used in this Section, "sexual intercourse" means anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse. D.(1) Whoever violates the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than fifteen years nor more than fifty years, or both.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2009
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Flores (Louisiana Court of Appeal 1996, 669 So. 2d 646)“…3) or parent enticing a child into prostitution (generally, La.R.S. 14:82.1(A)(2)) is so vague as to render them un…”
- State v. Day (Louisiana Court of Appeal 1999, 735 So. 2d 56)“…was convicted of molestation of a juvenile, a violation of La.R.S. 14:82.1. There was no direct evidence introduce…”
- State v. Morgan (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2001, 791 So. 2d 100)“…vious act, e.g. molestation of a juvenile in violation of La.R.S. 14:82.1, and the evidence of other similar cr…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 14:89.1Aggravated crime against natureIn force
A. Aggravated crime against nature is either of the following: (1) An act as defined by R.S. 14:89(A)(1) committed under any one or more of the following circumstances: (a) When the victim resists the act to the utmost, but such resistance is overcome by force. (b) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act by threats of great and immediate bodily harm accompanied by apparent power of execution. (c) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act because the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon. (d) When as a result of an intellectual or mental disability, or any unsoundness of mind, either temporary or permanent, the victim is incapable of giving consent and the offender knew or should have known of such incapacity. (e) When the victim is incapable of resisting or of understanding the nature of the act, by reason of stupor or abnormal condition of mind produced by a narcotic or anesthetic agent, administered by or with the privity of the offender; or when he has such incapacity, by reason of a stupor or abnormal condition of mind from any cause, and the offender knew or should have known of such incapacity.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 156 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Goodman (Louisiana Court of Appeal 1983, 427 So. 2d 529)“…the victim's young age and the defendant's older age under La.R.S. 14:89.1(5)) [1] was replaced by a guilty plea…”
- State v. Phillips (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1978, 365 So. 2d 1304)“…convicted of two counts of aggravated crime against nature, La.R.S. 14:89.1(5) (1962), and sentenced to fifteen yea…”
- State v. Lewis (Louisiana Court of Appeal 1999, 736 So. 2d 1004)“…one count of aggravated crime against nature, violations of La. R.S. 14:89.1. Defendant entered pleas of not guilty…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 15:541DefinitionsIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
For the purposes of this Chapter, the definitions of terms in this Section shall apply: (1) "Administration of criminal justice" means performance of any of the following activities: detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation of accused persons or criminal offenders. The term also includes criminal identification activities, the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information, and the compensation of victims of crime. (2) "Aggravated offense" means a conviction for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of, or conspiracy to commit, any of the following: (a)(i) Aggravated rape (R.S. 14:42), which occurred prior to August 1, 2015, and which shall include convictions for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of, or conspiracy to commit, aggravated oral sexual battery (formerly R.S. 14:43.4, Repealed by Acts 2001, No. 301, §2) occurring prior to August 15, 2001. (ii) First degree rape (R.S. 14:42) which occurred on or after August 1, 2015. (b)(i) Forcible rape (R.S. 14:42.1) which occurred prior to August 1, 2015.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 14:81, § 14:81.1, § 14:81.3
Cited in 191 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Williams (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2009, 9 La.App. 5 Cir. 48)“…h of defendant’s convictions are defined as sex offenses by La. R.S. 15:541. See La. R.S. 15:541(24);…”
- STATE of Louisiana v. Gary LAYTON; State of Louisiana v. Gary Layton (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2015, 168 So. 3d 358)“…law. Likewise, we reject the defendant’s assertion La. R.S. § 15:541, which supplies a definition for the t…”
- Quatrevingt v. State (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2018, 242 So. 3d 625)“…offenses included any offenses other than those defined in La. R.S. 15:541 as "aggravated offenses" or "sexual off…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Louisiana Voyeurism and Hidden Camera Laws: Offenses, Penalties, and Protections, Louisiana Expungement Laws: Eligibility, Costs, and How to Clear Your Record, Louisiana Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
§ 15:542Registration of sex offenders and child predatorsIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
A. The following persons shall be required to register and provide notification as a sex offender or child predator in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter: (1) Any adult residing in this state who has pled guilty to, has been convicted of, or where adjudication has been deferred or withheld for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of, or any conspiracy to commit either of the following: (a) A sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541, with the exception of those convicted of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile as provided in Subsection F of this Section. (b) A criminal offense against a victim who is a minor as defined in R.S. 15:541. (2) Any juvenile who has pled guilty or has been convicted of a sex offense or second degree kidnapping as provided for in Children's Code Article 305 or 857, with the exception of simple or third degree rape but including any conviction for an offense under the laws of another state, or military, territorial, foreign, tribal, or federal law which is equivalent to the offenses listed herein for which a juvenile would have to register.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 221 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Baxley (Supreme Court of Louisiana 1995, 656 So. 2d 973)“…536, and such a conviction is a "sex offense" as defined by La.R.S. 15:542(E), [14] which requires the defendant…”
- State v. Jordan (Louisiana Court of Appeal 1998, 716 So. 2d 36)“…ad authority to order the placement of the sign pursuant to La.R.S. 15:542 which contains the provisions relating…”
- State v. Young (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2011, 73 So. 3d 473)“…ged by Bill of Information with violating the provisions of La. R.S. 15:542 2 for *476…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 15:544Duration of registration and notification periodIn force
A. Except as provided for in Subsection B of this Section, a person required to register and provide notification pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall comply with the requirement for a period of fifteen years from the date of the initial registration in Louisiana, or the duration of the lifetime of the offender as provided in Subsection E of this Section, unless the underlying conviction is reversed, set aside, or vacated, except for those convictions that were reversed, set aside, or vacated pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893 or 894, or a similar provision of federal law or law from another state or military jurisdiction. The requirement to register shall apply to an offender who receives a pardon as a first-time offender pursuant to Article IV, Section 5(E)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana and R.S. 15:572(B)(1). B.(1) A person required to register pursuant to this Chapter who was convicted of a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor as defined in R.S.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.la.gov
Cited in 42 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Quatrevingt v. State (Louisiana Court of Appeal 2018, 242 So. 3d 625)“…to La. R.S. 14:81.1. The Bureau explained that pursuant to La. R.S. 15:544 and La. 15:542.1 Appellant was determin…”
- State v. Clark (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2013, 117 So. 3d 1246)“…er registration from 10 to 25 years by 2007 La. Acts 460 ; La.R.S. 15:544(B)(2) (eff. January 1, 2008); — Defenda…”
- State v. Patin (Supreme Court of Louisiana 2003, 842 So. 2d 322)“…e time of the commission of the offense in October of 1998, La.R.S. 15:544(B) permitted a trial court to waive the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Explore the law
The laws cited above reference these related sections in their own text:
- Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:2 — Definitions view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:283 — Video voyeurism; penalties view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:283.1 — Voyeurism; penalties view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.2 — Stalking view in our statute record · read at the official source
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- La. R.S. 14:42 (First degree rape)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:42.1 (Second degree rape)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:43.1 (Sexual battery)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:46.3 (Trafficking of children for sexual purposes)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:80 (Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:80.1 (Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:81 (Indecent behavior with juveniles)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:81.2 (Molestation of a juvenile)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:81.3 (Computer-aided solicitation of a minor)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 14:81.4 (Prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 15:541 (Definitions: sex offense)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 15:542 (Registration; waiver)(legis.la.gov).gov
- La. R.S. 15:544 (Duration of registration)(legis.la.gov).gov
- Louisiana DCFS: reporting child abuse and neglect(dcfs.louisiana.gov).gov
- R.S. 14:82.1(A)(1)(legis.la.gov).gov
- R.S. 14:92(A)(7)(legis.la.gov).gov
- R.S. 14:89.1(A)(1)(f)(legis.la.gov).gov
- R.S. 14:89(B)(2) and (3)(legis.la.gov).gov
- R.S. 14:81.1(legis.la.gov).gov