Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Megan's Law was created in the face of tragedy after 7-year-old Megan Kanka of New Jersey was brutally raped and killed by a neighbor who was a known child molester. Megan's parents had no knowledge of the man's background and no reason to be on the alert or warn their daughter -- until it was too late. Devastated by what had happened to their child, the Kanka's lobbied tirelessly to give other parents the tools to protect their children from sexual predators.

Megan's Law requires convicted sex offenders to register with law enforcement agencies. It also makes it possible for the public to obtain information about the identities and addresses of registered sex offenders. But parents must be ever vigilante. More than 90% of children are molested by someone they know.

Today, we offer additional tips for keeping your children safe.

• Never leave children unattended in an automobile, not even to run in and out of a store.


• Teach your children never to talk to anyone in a car or accept a ride from anyone they don't know and trust.


• Teach your children never to go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.


• Be an active participant in your children's activities.


• Listen to your children. Pay attention if your child doesn't want to be with someone or go somewhere.


• Notice people who pay too much attention to your child.


• Teach your children that they always have the right to say no to unwelcome, uncomfortable or confusing touching or actions by others, including adults. Teach them to tell you immediately if this happens and take their fears seriously.


• Be sensitive to changes in your child's behavior or attitude.


• When your children confide in you, remain calm and try not to criticize or judge. Help your children solve the problem.


• Carefully screen babysitters and caregivers.


• Don't allow your children to wear clothing or carry items displaying their name. Predators can use your child's name to create a false impression of familiarity and engage your child in conversation.

You can find more information about Megan's Law and links to state and national sexual predator locators on the California Attorney General's Megan's Law website. As an aide to parents and the public, Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez has also created a special Megan's Law website containing valuable information about Megan's Law and useful links to additional registered sex offender resources.