Local Ordinance Prohibiting Registered Sex Offenders From Entering City Parks Preempted By State Law.

A criminal defendant was charged with violating a local ordinance that prohibits registered sex offenders from entering city parks without written permission of the police chief. The trial court sustained defendant’s demurrer, concluding state law preempts prosecution under the local ordinance because the Legislature has enacted a comprehensive statutory scheme. The appellate court agreed, stating:  “We conclude the state statutory scheme imposing restrictions on a sex offender’s daily life fully occupies the field and therefore preempts the city’s efforts.” (The People v. Nguyen (Cal. App. Fourth Dist., Div. 3; January 10, 2014) 222 Cal.App.4th 1168, [166 Cal.Rptr.3d 590].)