State of Louisiana v. Dominick Sims

CRICHTON, Justice.

|,This matter arises from the defendant’s constitutional challenge to R.S. 14:46.3, a statute which makes illegal the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. The defendant challenges R.S. 14:46.3(C)(2), which provides that a defendant’s lack of knowledge of a victim’s age shall not be a defense to charges under this statute. The case is now on direct review pursuant to La. Const, art. V, § 5(D), because the trial court ruled unconstitutional R.S. 14:46.3(C)(2). For the reasons set forth herein, we reverse and vacate the judgment of the district court and conclude that…