Davidson v. State (La. 2021)

Davidson v. State, No. 2020-C-00976 (La. 2021)

Nature of Case: Appellant, a Florida resident, had previously been convicted of sex offenses under Louisiana law and was given a diversionary disposition which resulted in his convictions being dismissed on successful completion of probation. Appellant sought to return to Louisiana and filed an action for declaratory relief, seeking a ruling that he did not have to register as a sex offender under the law that existed at the time of his offense. The trial court granted the relief he sought, and the state appealed. The Louisiana Court of Appeals reversed, and Appellant sought review from the state supreme court.

Holding: The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, finding that Appellant would be required to register if and when he decided to return to Louisiana and that Ex Post Facto concerns were not implicated.