The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The legislature enacted a new offense criminalizing “Possessing, trafficking, or importing a child sex doll.” La. R.S. 14:81.6. This crime is defined as:

(1) A person commits the crime of possessing a child sex doll by intentionally or knowingly possessing a child sex doll.

(2) A person commits the crime of trafficking a child sex doll by knowingly manufacturing, distributing, selling, transferring, offering to sell, advertising, providing, shipping, delivering for shipment, offering to deliver for shipment, or possessing with the intent to manufacture, distribute, sell, ship, or transfer a child sex doll.

(3) A person commits the crime of importing a child sex doll by knowingly transporting, or causing to be transported, a child sex doll into this state by any means with the intent to distribute, sell, or transfer the child sex doll to another, whether or not the person has taken actual possession of the child sex doll.

La. R.S. 14:81.6(A). A “child sex doll” is defined as:

an anatomically correct doll, mannequin, or robot that both:

(1) Has the features of or features that resemble those of an infant or a child under 18 years of age.

(2) Is intended to be used for sexual stimulation or gratification.

La. R.S. 14:81.6(B)(2). A person who violates the first subsection of this statute shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than 1 year and/or a fine of not more than $5,000. La. R.S. 14:81.6(E)(1). A person who violates the second subsection of this statute shall be imprisoned for not less than 6 months nor more than one years and/or fined not more than $10,000. La. R.S. 14:81.6(E)(2). A person convicted for violating the third subsection of this statute shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 1 year nor more than 2 years and/or fined not more than $20,000. La. R.S. 14:81.6(E)(3).

The legislature also amended the Human Trafficking statute to clarify the conduct prohibited as any sex offense contained in the registration statute. La. R.S. 14:46.2(B)(2)(a). The legislature amended the penalties to be life imprisonment without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence when the offense involves person under the age of 18. La. R.S. 14:46.2(B)(2)(c). When the offense involves an individual between the ages of 18 and 21, the term of imprisonment shall be imprisonment at hard labor for a minimum of 15 years and up to 50 years. La. R.S. 14:46.2(B)(2)(b).

Finally, the legislature amended the Molestation of a juvenile statute to increase the minimum penalty from 5 to 10 years when the victim is between 13 and 17 and when the offender has control or supervision over the victim. La. R.S. 14:81.2(B)(2). When the victim is between 13 and 17 and the offender “is in a position of supervision or entrusted with a supervisory role of the juvenile that includes but is not limited to a religious, charitable, scientific, educational, athletic, or youth-serving purpose or is an educator of the juvenile,” the penalty shall be a minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of 40 years, and 10 years shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:81.2(B)(3)(a).

Should you or someone you know be facing criminal prosecution, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consult.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The legislature enacted Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:87.6.1 - Coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud:

Coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud is committed when a person knowingly and intentionally engages in the use of an abortion-inducing drug on a pregnant woman, without her knowledge or consent, with the intent to cause an abortion.

La. R.S. 14:87.6.1(A). The penalty for violating this statute is a fine not less than $10,000 nor more than $75,000 and imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 5 years nor more than 10 years. La. R.S. 14:87.6.1(B)(1). When the unborn child is more than 3 months of gestational age, the term of imprisonment shall be not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years, and a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $100,000. La. R.S. 14:87.6.1(B)(2).

As part of this large addition to the criminal code, the Louisiana legislature has added Mifepristone and misoprostol to Schedule IV, which prohibits its possession by individuals in the State of Louisiana. La. R.S. 40:964(F). An exception is established in La. R.S. 40:969(C)(2) “for a pregnant woman to possess mifepristone or misoprostol for her own consumption.”

The legislature made a positive change to the Unauthorized use of sperm, ovum, or embryo statute, doing away with the requirement that the deceased spouse have signed a consent form authorizing the use of their previously donated sperm, ovum, or embryo by their surviving spouse, prior to the deceased spouse’s death. This change makes it easier for the surviving spouse to use previously donated sperm, ovum, or embryos to conceive after the death of their spouse.

Should you or someone you know be facing criminal charges, please call us at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consult.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The legislature has created the offense of “Election fraud or forgery” which states:

A. No person shall knowingly, willfully, or intentionally:

(1) Vote or attempt to vote more than once in an election.

(2) Vote or attempt to vote, knowing that he is not qualified, or influence or attempt to influence another to vote, knowing that the voter is unqualified or the vote to be fraudulent."

(3) Register, vote, or attempt to register or vote in the name of another or in an assumed or fictitious name on an affidavit or document required by the Louisiana Election Code.

(4) Forge the name of another or use a fictitious name on an affidavit or document required by the Louisiana Election Code.

(5) Procure or submit voter registration applications that are known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent.

(6) Forge, alter, add to, deface, take, destroy, or remove from proper custodial care any book, card, record, voter registration application, election return, nomination papers, withdrawals of candidacy, election supplies, election paraphernalia, or any affidavit or other document required or provided for under the provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, unless required to be removed by a court of competent jurisdiction for inspection and photostatic copying for the court record.

(7) Have in his possession an official ballot in violation of any provision of the Louisiana Election Code.

(8) Have in his possession the registration certificate of another with intent to violate any provision of the Louisian Election Code.

(9) For purposes other than fulfilling the person’s duties relative to registration of voters as provided by law, copy or reproduce a voter registration application that has been submitted by an applicant.”

La. R.S. 14:133.1.1(A). The penalty for violating this statute is a fine of not more than $2,000 and/or imprisonment with or without hard labor, for up to 2 years. For a second or subsequent offense, the maximum fine increases to $5,000 and the imprisonment increases to 5 years at hard labor. La. R.S. 14:133.1.1(B).

The Legislature amended the penalty for Unlawful disruption of a school to decrease the penalty for a first offense to a misdemeanor with a maximum term of imprisonment of 6 months and adding a penalty for a second or subsequent offense of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for a minimum of one year up to five years and a fine of up to $1,000. La. R.S. 14:40.6(C). The legislature now also requires any individual conflicted of this offense to participate in a conflict resolution class. La. R.S. 14:40.6(C)(3).

The legislature has added the governor’s mansion to those grounds over which an unmanned drone may not be flown without written permission of the person in charge of the building. La. R.S. 14:337(A)(1)(b).

The crimes of violence statute (La. R.S. 14:2) has been amended (again) to add the offense of “First degree vehicular negligent injuring, when the operator’s blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.20 percent by weight based on grams of alcohol per one hundred cubic centimeters of blood” to the ever-increasing list of crimes of violence. La. R.S. 14:2(B)(62).

The legislature has also amended the penalty provision for the offense of Vehicular Negligent Injuring when the operator’s blood alcohol content is above 0.15. If between 0.15 and 0.20, the penalty shall be a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment not less than 7 days nor more than 6 months. At least seven days of the sentence must be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:39.1(C)(2). If the operator’s BAC is over. 0.20, the fine shall be not more than $1,000 and imprisonment for not les than 30 days nor more than 6 months. At least 30 days must be spent without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:39.1(C)(3).

For the offense of First degree vehicular negligent injuring, when the operator’s BAC is 0.15 or higher, or has a prior conviction for Driving While Intoxicated, he shall be fined not more than $5,000 and imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than 2 nor more than 10 years. At least 2 years must be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:39.2(D)(2).

The legislature continues to restrict probation, as well, amending Code of Criminal Procedure Article 897 to prohibit a Court from ordering early termination of probation or unsatisfactory termination of probation for individuals convicted of felony driving while intoxicated, vehicular homicide, or first degree vehicular negligent injuring or for misdemeanor vehicular negligent injuring. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 897.

Should you or someone you know be facing criminal prosecution, give us a call to schedule a consult at (318) 459-9111.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The Legislature enacted several new statutes relating to law enforcement and the public’s interactions with them this past legislative session:

La. R.S. 14:109 now reads:

No person shall knowingly or intentionally approach within twenty-five feet of a peace officer who is lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties after the peace officer has ordered the person to stop approaching or retreat.

La. R.S. 14:109(A). The penalty for violating this provision is a fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not more than 60 days.

The Resisting an officer statute was also amended to add: “Failure to provide or display the person’s state issued driver’s license or identification on the officer’s request when the person is an operator of a motor vehicle, the person has been lawfully detained for an alleged violation of a law, and the officer has exhausted all resources at his disposal to verify the identity of the person” as included in the definition of “obstruction of” as prohibited conduct. La. R.S. 14:108(B)(1)(f).

The penalty for Aggravated flight from an officer has been increased from imprisonment for up to five years to up to ten years; and, under circumstance which result in serious bodily injury, increased from imprisonment for up to ten years to fifteen years. La. R.S. 14:108.1(E)(1) & (2).

Vandalizing, tampering with, or destroying a crime camera system is now prohibited by Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:57.1:

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally vandalize, tamper with, or destroy a crime camera system by any of the following:

(1) Causing functional or cosmetic damage to the system.

(2) Adjusting or modifying the location, position, aim, focus or functionality of the system.

(3) Tampering with the performance, functions, or features of the system.

(4) Rendering the system temporarily or permanently inoperable.

B. For the purposes of this Section, a “crime camera system” includes any camera or license plate reader erected or installed for the purpose of observing or deterring illegal activity as well as any lights, mounting poles or brackets, actuator motors, computer control boards, connection interfaces, signage, software, protective housing, leases, power supply systems, recording or battery backups, microphones, data connectivity hardware, or other component parts or ancillary equipment necessary for proper functionality and operation.

C. Whoever violates the provisions of Subsection A of this Section shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, not more than two years, or may be fined not more than two thousand dollars, or both.

La. R.S. 14:57.1.

The legislature has also added live-streaming or video recording to that conduct prohibited by the Unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity statute. La. R.S. 14:107.4.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consult.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The Legislature amended the Battery of a dating partner and Domestic abuse battery statutes to add an additional penalty when the offense involves strangulation and which results in the victim suffering serious bodily injury. In the event the state proves both, the court shall impose an additional sentence on top of the underlying sentence of between 5 and 50 years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:34.9(L)(2) & 14:35.4(L)(2).

Battery of a bus operator’s penalty was increased, as well, under circumstances when the operator is operating the bus, to a minimum of 72 hours imprisonment up to on year imprisonment, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:34.5.1(C).

Individuals convicted of certain offenses have been added to the list of individuals who must register as an individual convicted of child abuse or neglect: Individuals convicted of certain provisions of the domestic abuse battery statute involving children may now be required to register as child abusers for 10 years form the date of their initial registration. La. R.S. 15:563(A)(4) and La. R.S. 15:563.2.

Should you or someone you know be facing criminal charges, give us sa call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consult.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The Louisiana Legislature enacted new legislation to control electronic speed zone and red light cameras and their implementation by the municipalities and parishes of Louisiana. This legislation controls operating hours, appeal procedures, and how revenue must be distributed if electronic cameras and ticketing are to be used. La. R.S. 32:46.

The Legislature also amended La. R.S. 32:232 to increase the penalties for red light violations which result in bodily injuries:

• In the event of a red light violation which results in bodily injury, the penalty is a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500 and may have his driver’s license suspended for 90 days.

• In the event of a red light violation which results in a serious bodily injury, the penalty is a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than 6 months, and may have his driver’s license suspended for 180 days.

• In the event of a red light violation which results in a death, the penalty is a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 1 year, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 365 days.

  If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and would like to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (318) 459-9111.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The legislature has passed another article in an attempt to make expungements easier to obtain. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 999 establishes the grounds for an “expedited expungement”:

A. A person shall be entitled to the expedited expungement of his arrest, at no cost to him, if he meets all of the following:

(1) He is seventeen years of age when he is arrested or charged with any criminal offense as provided in Title 14 or 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

(2) The district attorney, for any reason, declined to prosecute all offenses arising out of that arrest, including the reason that the person successfully completed a pretrial diversion program.

(3) Prosecution was instituted an dusk proceedings have been finally disposed of by dismissal, sustaining of a motion to quash, or acquittal.

La. C.Cr.P. Art. 999.

The Legislature also amended Article 978 to clarify that, in order to expunge a felony, the applicant must have no convictions for the 10 years immediately preceding the motion for expungement. This does not change the law, but merely clarifies language that was somewhat confusing before.

Finally, the Legislature has repealed the provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 234 which prohibited the publication of booking photographs.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

In 2015, the Louisiana Legislsature established the offense of Nonconsensual Disclosure of Private Images, which prohibited the disclosure of images exposing the intimate parts of another person by a person who obtained those images with the intent to cause emotional distress and the knowledge that such disclosure would be likely to cause that distress. La. R.S. 14:283.2(A).

The statute was amended three times this year to add and delete language. Act Number 165 removed the requirement that the images depict an individual over the age of 17 years. That Bill (and Act Number 11) amend the language of Subsection (A)(1) to amend the types of images covered by the statute. The statute now includes images in which the person’s “intimate parts are exposed” or “who is engaged in sexual conduct[/performance].” La. R.S. 14:283.2(A)(1). “Sexual conduct[/performance]” is defined as “actual or simulated vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse, deviant sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or exhibition of the genitals.” La. R.S. 14:283.2(C)(5). Finally, Act Number 431 adds a method by which the person disclosing the images may be prosecuted:

A. A person commits the offense of nonconsensual disclosure of a private image when all of the following occur…(2) The person who discloses the image obtained it through unauthorized access or under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the image was to remain private."

La. R.S. 14:283.2(A)(2). “Unauthorized access” is defined as “the retrieval of an image from an individual’s telecommunication device…without that individual’s permission.” La. R.S. 14:283.2(C)(5).

The Legislature also enacted La. R.S. 14:73.14 - Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another created by artificial intelligence. This statute prohibits:

A. It shall be unlawful for any person, with the intent to coerce, harass, intimidate, or maliciously disseminate or sell any video or still image created by artificial intelligence that depicts another person who is totally nude or in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast, when the person disseminating the video or still image knows or has reason to know that he is not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell such video or still image.

…

(C)

…

(2) “Artificial intelligence” means an artificial system developed in computer software, physical hardware, or other context that solves tasks requiring human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication or physical action.

…

D. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be imprisoned for not more than six months, fined not more than seven hundred fifty dollars, or both.

La. R.S. 14:73.14.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal prosecution, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consultation.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

This session, the legislature made multiple relatively small changes to firearms statutes, primarily to ensure that they are in keeping with its legislation during the special session removing permit requirements for concealed carrying.

The legislature added four locations to those areas where one can be charged with illegally carrying a firearm:

(i) A law enforcement office, station, or building.

(ii) A detention facility, prison, or jail.

(iii) A courthouse or courtroom, provided that a judge may carry such a weapon in his own courtroom.

(iv) The state capitol building.

La R.S. 14:95(A)(5).

In order to keep consistent with its earlier legislation regarding open carrying of concealed weapons, the legislature amended La. R.S. 40:1379.3 to prohibit a person carrying a concealed handgun from possessing one with a “blood alcohol content of .05 percent or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood, or when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance.” La. R.S. 40:1379.3(I)(1)

Effective August 1, 2024, the legislature removed burglary of a pharmacy from the list of offenses which impact an individual’s rights to possess a firearm under state law. La R.S. 14:95.1(A)(1). It is important to note that this change does not change any limitations to an individual’s right to possess a firearm under federal law.

It further prohibits juveniles who were 15 or 16 years old when adjudicated delinquent for one of the enumerated felonies in subsection (1). This prohibition is until the individual reaches the age of 22 unless the individual has been accepted into military service as a member of the United States Armed Forces. La. R.S. 14:95.1(2)(a) & (b).

It also amended the penalty for attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to a minimum of 1 year and up to 7 1/2 years and established an increase in the sentence if the statute is violated while the individual is already on probation or parole to be served consecutively to the sentence for which he is on probation or parole. La. R.S. 14:95.1(B) & (B)(3).

Finally, the Legislature amended La. R.S. 40:1796 to limit any political subdivision from establishing any laws, policies, rules, taxes, etc…that are more restrictive than state laws relative to firearms.

If you or someone you know is facing gun charges, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consult.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

Several additions have been made to Schedule I and Schedule IV.

Of particular note is an addition to Schedule I:

Unless specifically excepted or contained within a pharmaceutical product approved by the United State Food and Drug Administration, or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances, including its salts, isomers, or salts of isomers, whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, or salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation: (1) Tianeptine.

La RS 40:964(G). Tianeptine has been the subject of warnings from the FDA for decades, but has just this term begun to be legislated against in Louisiana.

If you would like to schedule a consult to discuss your drug charges, give us a call at (318) 459-9111.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

The legislature has amended the monetary instrument abuse statute in several ways to broaden its application and has added a penalty provision for a second or subsequent offense increasing the penalty to imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for a minimum of 1 year up to 10 years and a fine of up to $1 million. 14:72.2(C).

The legislature has also amended the theft statute to specifically address “porch pirates”:

If the offender in such cases commits the crime of theft of a package that has been delivered to an inhabited dwelling owned by another, he shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than two years, or may be fined not more than two thousand dollars, or both."

La. R.S. 14:67(B)(4)(b). They have also added language to address a shoplifter who “commits an assault upon a store or merchant’s employee who is acting in the course and scope of his employment duties” to require that the first 15 days of any sentence must be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

The legislature has amended the Anti-Skimming statute to add microchip re-encoders and scanning devices as prohibited. La. R.S. 14:67.4

Simple burglary now prohibits “the unauthorized entering of any dwelling or other structure with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner, lessee, or tenant of full use of the dwelling or structure, or to temporarily or permanently assert any right of ownership or use of such property” and makes the offender liable “for any damage that has resulted from a violation” of this subsection. La. R.S. 14:62(A)(2) & (C).

Finally, the legislature has removed “the taking of, or the recruiting of another person who takes, anything of value from a retail establishment that is in the immediate control of a retail employee or employer when a person acts in concert with three or more individuals for the purpose of either overwhelming the response of an employer, an employee, or law enforcement to carry out the offense, avoid detection or apprehension, or create a reasonable belief that a reasonable person would not intercede beacause of fear” from the simple burglary statute and added it to the second degree robbery statute. La. R.S. 14:64.4(A)(2). A second or subsequent violation of the second degree robbery statute within 10 years of the first conviction now carries a minimum sentence of 5 years up to 40 years. La. R.S. 14:64.4(B)(2). If a firearm is involved in the offense, an additional 5 years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence may be imposed, to be served consecutively to the underlying penalty. La. R.S. 14:64.4(B)(3).

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and would like to set up a consultation, give us a call at (318) 459-9111.

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

This week, I’d like to address the changes they’ve made to several theft statutes, including creating a new crime (at least under state law): “Mail Theft” and “Theft or unauthorized reproduction of a mail receptacle key or lock.”

Mail Theft can now be found in Title 14, at Subsection 67.6 and prohibits any of the following:

“(1) Removing mail from a mail depository or taking mail from a mail carrier with a postal service with an intent to steal.

(2) Obtaining custody of mail by fraud or deception with an intent to steal.

(3) Selling, receiving, possession, transferring, buying, or concealing mail obtained by acts described in Paragraphs (1) or (2) of this Subsection, while knowing or having reason to know the mail was obtained illegally.

La. R.S. 14:67.7(B). Mail is defined as “any letter, postal card, parcel, envelope, package, bag, or any other sealed article addressed to another, along with its contents.” Mail Depository is defined as “a mail box, letter box, or mail receptacle of a postal service, an officer of a postal service, or a vehicle of a postal service.”

Theft or unauthorized reproduction of of a mail receptacle key or lock is defined as any of the following:

(1) Stealing or obtaining by false pretense any key or lock adopted by a postal service for any box or other authorized receptacle for the deposit or delivery of mail.

(2) Knowingly and unlawfully making, forging, or counterfeiting any such key, or possessing any such key or lock adopted by a postal service that delivers mail with the intent to unlawfully or improperly use, sell, or otherwise dispose of the key or lock, or to cause the key or lock to be unlawfully or improperly used, sold, or otherwise disposed.

The penalties for either of these offenses is imprisonment with or without hard labor, for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000. A second or subsequent conviction carries a penalty of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for a minimum of 1 year up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Offenders will also be required to make restitution.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal prosecution and would like to schedule a consult. Give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a meeting.

The Louisiana Legislature met in a special session at the request of Governor Landry in February and passed several new laws impacting the criminal justice system.

Taking effect on July 1, 2024, the legislature has extended the conditions for which a driver who is arrested for driving while intoxicated must be required to install an ignition interlock in their vehicle.

The legislature increased the period of suspension for a first breath test with a result over a .08 from 90 days to 6 months (unless the arrested individual is under 21). An ignition interlock is now required for reinstatement and/or hardship qualifications for any refusal, whether a first or a fifth.

Finally, and probably most consequentially, the legislature now requires the Court to order for any DWI conviction that the defendant not drive a motor vehicle unless that vehicle has been equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device. For a first conviction, this requirement would be in place for 6 months. For a second conviction, this requirement would be in place for four years.

The one positive change to the DWI laws made by the legislature this term is that installations of ignition interlock devices for submissions or refusals to breath tests can now be given credit toward installations for convictions, which means an individual will not be required to install an ignition interlock device twice to meet the requirements of both statutes.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal prosecution for a DWI and you would like to schedule a consult, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consultation.

As of August 1, 2023, the Louisiana Legislature has created a special provision for expunging first offense misdemeanor possession of marijuana convictions:

D. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a person may file a motion to expunge his record of arrest and conviction of a misdemeanor conviction for a first offense possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or chemical derivatives thereof after ninety days from the date of conviction.

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 977(D).

The fees for filing this expungement are slightly less than a regular expungement. La CCrP Art. 983(M).

This special provision will cease to be available to citizens of Louisiana on August 1, 2026. La CCrP Art. 983(M)(5).

If you or someone you know wants to know if they are eligible for an expungement under this law, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to set up a consult.

There are several offenses that criminalize physical violence committed in intimate or family relationships: Domestic Abuse Battery, Battery of a Dating Partner, Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault, and Aggravated Assault Upon a Dating Partner.

Domestic abuse battery

Domestic abuse battery “is the intentional use of force or violence committed by one household member or family member upon the person of another household member or family member.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(A).

“Family member” and “household member” are specifically defined in the same statute. “‘Family member’ means spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, foster children, other ascendants, and other descendants. ‘Family member’ also means the other parent or foster parent of any child or foster child of the offender.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(B)(4). “‘Household member’ means any person presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender and who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender, or any child presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender, or any child of the offender regardless of where the child resides.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(B)(5).

Each of these offenses is enhanceable. Multiple convictions increase the penalty. A first offense carries a fine of not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 and imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months. At least 48 hours of the jail sentence will be without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The balance of the sentence cannot be suspended unless the defendant is placed on supervised probation and ordered to complete a court-approved domestic abuse intervention program and perform 64 hours of community service. The court shall also order that the defendant not own or possess a firearm while on probation. La. R.S. 14:35.3(C).

A second offense increases the fine to a minimum of $750 and the minimum jail sentence to 60 days. 14 days of the sentence must be without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The balance may be suspended if the defendant is ordered to complete a domestic abuse intervention program and perform 240 hours of community service. La. R.S. 14:35.3(D).

A third offense is a felony, which carries a penalty of imprisonment with or without hard labor for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years and a fine of $2,000. The first year of the sentence must be without probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. A fourth or subsequent offense increases the mandatory minimum sentence to 10 years up to 30 years and a fine of $5,000. La. R.S. 14:35.3(E).

There are several other provision of La. R.S. 14:35.3 that increase or alter the penalty:

(1) “When the state proves, in addition to the [other] elements of the crime…that a minor child thirteen years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.'“ La. R.S. 14:35.3(I).

(2) If the victim is pregnant, and the defendant knew that the victim was pregnant at the time of the offense, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(K).

(3) If the battery involves strangulation, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(L).

(4) If the battery involves burning, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(M).

(5) If the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than eight years.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(N).

(6) If the offender uses a dangerous weapon, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than ten years.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(O).

(7) If the offender intentionally causes serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than fifteen years.” La. R.S. 14:35.3(P).

BATTERY OF A DATING PARTNER

Battery of a dating partner “is the intentional use of force or violence committed by one dating partner upon the person of another dating partner.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(A).

“‘Dating partner’ means any person who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement independent of financial considerations, regardless of whether the person presently lives or formerly lived in the same residence with the offender. ‘Dating partner’ shall not include a casual relationship or ordinary association between persons in a business or social context.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(B)(3).

Each of these offenses is enhanceable. Multiple convictions increase the penalty. A first offense carries a fine of not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 and imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months. At least 48 hours of the jail sentence will be without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The balance of the sentence cannot be suspended unless the defendant is placed on supervised probation and ordered to complete a court-approved domestic abuse intervention program and perform 64 hours of community service. The court shall also order that the defendant not own or possess a firearm while on probation. La. R.S. 14:35.9(C).

A second offense increases the fine to a minimum of $750 and the minimum jail sentence to 60 days. 14 days of the sentence must be without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The balance may be suspended if the defendant is ordered to complete a domestic abuse intervention program and perform 240 hours of community service. La. R.S. 14:35.9(D).

A third offense is a felony, which carries a penalty of imprisonment with or without hard labor for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years and a fine of $2,000. The first year of the sentence must be without probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. A fourth or subsequent offense increases the mandatory minimum sentence to 10 years up to 30 years and a fine of $5,000. La. R.S. 14:35.9(E).

There are several other provision of La. R.S. 14:35.9 that increase or alter the penalty:

(1) “When the state proves, in addition to the [other] elements of the crime…that a minor child thirteen years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.'“ La. R.S. 14:35.9(I).

(2) If the victim is pregnant, and the defendant knew that the victim was pregnant at the time of the offense, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(K).

(3) If the battery involves strangulation, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(L).

(4) If the battery involves burning, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(M).

(5) If the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than eight years.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(N).

(6) If the offender uses a dangerous weapon, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than ten years.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(O).

(7) If the offender intentionally causes serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon, “the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than fifteen years.” La. R.S. 14:35.9(P).

DOMESTIC ABUSE AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

Domestic abuse aggravated assault is an assault with a dangerous weapon committed by one household member or family member upon another household member or family member. La. R.S. 14:37.7A.

Assault is defined in La. R.S. 14:36 as an “attempt to commit a battery; or the intentional placing of another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.”

“Family member” and “household member” are defined the same way as they are in La. R.S. 14:35.3. The penalty for domestic abuse aggravated assault is imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years and a fine of not more than $5,000. La. R.S. 14:37.7B(1), B(2), & C.

If a child 13 years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the mandatory minimum sentence is 2 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:37.7D.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT UPON A DATING PARTNER

Aggravated assault upon a dating partner “is an assault with a dangerous weapon committed by one dating partner upon another dating partner.” La. R.S. 14:34.9.1A.

“Dating partner” is defined in this statute the same way it is defined in battery of a dating partner. The penalty for this offense is imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years and a fine of not more than $5,000. La. R.S. 14:34.9.1B & C.

If a child 13 years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the mandatory minimum sentence is 2 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14:34.91.1D.

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to domestic violence, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a consultation.

Every year, the Louisiana Legislature passes a slew of new legislation, most of which will take effect on August 1. And so, each year, I like to do a run-down of the new legislation related to or impacting criminal law. This week’s topic: Firearms!

The Louisiana legislature amended Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:1379.1.4 to edit the definition of “qualified retired law enforcement officers” who are permitted to carry concealed weapons as individuals who “[were] properly certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training at the time of retirement, in accordance with R.S. 40:1379.3(D)(1)(f).” In keeping with this additional definition, the Louisiana legislature amended the Illegal Carrying of Weapons statute to allow for this change.

The Louisiana Legislature also amended the concealed carry permit statute (La. R.S. 40:1379.3) to remove the restriction from obtaining a concealed carry permit if one has been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The restriction on individuals who “chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired” remains in effect. This statute was further amended to state that “No permit shall be suspended or revoked solely upon the basis of an arrest for a violation of R.S. 14:98.1.” La. R.S. 40:1379.3(I)(6).

The Louisiana Legislature also amended the definition of a “machine gun” to define it as:

any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one show without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The term shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, and any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun.

La. R.S. 40:1751.

This same Act increases the penalty range for the manufacture, transfer, or possession of a machine gun in Louisiana from imprisonment at hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years to not less than one year nor more than ten years. La. R.S. 40:1755(A). If the person has a prior conviction of a felony crime of violence (as defined in La. R.S. 14:2), that person shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than three years nor more than ten years. La. R.S. 40:1755(B). This change in the law also removes “flame thrower” from the definition of “firearm” in La. R.S. 40:1781.

The Louisiana Legislature expanded the definition of “utility service employee” for purposes of the offense of Aggravated Assault Upon a Utility Service Employee with a Firearm to include:

any person employed under contract, of any utility service that provides electricity, gas, water, broadband, cable television, heat, steam, telecommunications services, or sewer services, whether privately, municipally, cooperatively, or investor-owned."

La. R.S. 14:37.5(B)(3).

Finally, the Legislature increased the penalty for Assault by Drive-By Shooting from not less than one year nor more than five years to not less than three years nor more than 10 years, and expanded the definition of “drive-by shooting” to include interstate highways along with the previously included “public street or highway.” La. R.S. 14:37.1.

If you or someone you know is facing prosecution for a firearm charge in Louisiana, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to set up a consult.

The Louisiana Legislature this year amended the Schedule II penalties with regard to Fentanyl and established a new offense for the production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of Xylazine.

Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:967 has been amended, with regard to Fentanyl, to increase the penalties as follows:

• For a conviction involving less than 28 grams, the penalty shall be imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 5 years nor more than 40 years, and a fine of up to $50,000. The legislature established a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

• For a first conviction of 28 grams or more but less than 250 grams, the penalty shall be imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 7 years nor more than 40 years, at least 7 years of which shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence (and a fine).

• For a second conviction of 28 grams or more but less than 250 grams, the penalty shall be imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 30 years nor more than 40 years, at least 10 years of which shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence (and a fine).

• For a third conviction of 28 grams or more but less than 250 grams, the penalty shall be imprisonment or hard labor for not less than 99 years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence (and a fine).

• Distribution which “is the direct cause of serious bodily injury to the person who ingested or consumed the substance”:

  • Shall be classified as a crime of violence

  • Penalty shall be imprisonment at hard labor for an additional period of five years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence to be served consecutively.

La. R.S. 40:967.

The Louisiana legislature also enacted Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:989.4 - Unlawful production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of Xylazine

A.(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally produce, manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to produce, manufacture, or distribute Xylazine.

(2) Whoever violates the provisions of this Subsection shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than one year nor more than ten years, and, in addition, may be required to pay a fine of not more than fifteen thousand dollars.

B.(1) it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally possess Xylazine.

(2) Whoever violates the provisions of this Subsection shall be imprisoned for not more than six months and, in addition, may be required to pay a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the following:

(a) The production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of Xylazine in the course of a legitimate veterinary practice.

(b) The production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of Xylazine bulk chemical for pharmaceutical compounding by a licensed pharmacist or veterinarian.

(c) The possession of Xylazine pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

D. As used in this Section, “Xylazine” means Xylazine and any salt, sulfate, isomer, homologue, analogue, or other preparation of Xylazine, and any salt, isomer, compound, derivative, precursor, homologue, analogue, or other preparation thereof that is substantially chemically equivalent or identical to Xylazine.

La. R.S. 40:989.4.

If you or someone you know is facing prosecution for a drug offense, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to set up a consult.

This week, we are addressing some changes the Louisiana Legislature made to the Driving While Intoxicated laws as well as a new sentencing enhancement for operating a vehicle without a properly attached license plate.

The Louisiana Legislature amended all of the Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated to mandate that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend a defendant’s Driver’s License if he submitted to a blood alcohol test and the results were 0.15 or higher. For a first offense, the Driver’s License shall be suspended for 2 years. For a second offense, 4 years. This amendment does allow the defendant to obtain a hardship license during the term of his suspension, as long as his vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer).

Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:57 has been amended to create a sentencing enhancement under the following circumstances:

If a violation of R.S. 32:53(A)(2) [improper display of a license plate] is committed in the preparation of or during the commission of a felony offense in order to escape detection, the violator shall be punished by an additional fine of two hundred dollars or by imprisonment of an additional thirty days, or both. For any violation of R.S. 32:53(A)(2), the vehicle may be immediately impounded.

La. R.S. 32:57(A)(2).

The Louisiana Legislature also enacted La. R.S 14:93.2.4 - Unlawful Swimming in Certain Waterways:

A. It shall be unlawful for any parent or legal guardian who has care and control of a minor, to permit a minor, either knowingly, willfully, or through criminal negligence to swim without wearing a Type 1, type II, Type III, or Type V personal floatation device approved by the United States Coast Guard in the portion of any river beginning from a water-controlled structure through which that river flows to a point seventy miles downstream when that structure creates a reservoir used to generate hydroelectric power. The distance provided for in this Subsection shall be measured from the structure along a line drawn downstream in the middle of the river bed.

(B)(1) On a first conviction, the parent or legal guardian shall be issued a warning ticket, fined not more than twenty-five dollars, or both.

(2) On a second conviction, the parent or legal guardian shall be fined not more than fifty dollars, imprisoned for not more than seven days, or both.

(3) On a third or subsequent conviction, the parent or legal guardian shall be fined not more than seventy-five dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars, imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.

La. R.S. 14:93.2.4.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal prosecution, give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to set up a consult.

It is time for my (kinda) regular reminder that marijuana is still illegal under federal (and state - under most circumstances) law!

In the United States it is illegal to possess marijuana. The possession of any amount is a criminal offense that carries a potential fine and/or imprisonment.

In Louisiana, it is illegal to possess marijuana (in any quantity); however, the possession of 14 grams or less is punishable by only a fine of up to $100. (NOTE: This is still. a. crime. It will still go on your rap sheet and you will still have to disclose it to potential employers.)

The one exception to the prohibition on possession under Louisiana law is that

Any person who is a patient of the state-sponsored medical marijuana program in Louisiana, and possesses medical marijuana in a form permissible under R.S. 40:1046 for a condition enumerated therein, a caregiver as defined in R.S. 15:1503, any person who is a domiciliary parent of a minor child who possesses medical marijuana on behalf of his minor child in a form permissible under 40:1046 for a condition enumerated therein pursuant to a legitimate medical marijuana prescription or recommendation issued by a licensed health professional authorized by R.S. 40:1046(B) to recommend medical marijuana to patients, or any visiting qualifying patient as defined in R.S. 40:1046.1 shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section. This Paragraph shall not prevent the arrest or prosecution of any person for diversion of marijuana or any of its derivatives or other conduct outside the scope of the state-sponsored medical marijuana program.

La. R.S. 40:966F(1).

With regard to traveling with marijuana, beyond its illegality under federal law, the chart below (thanks to statista.com for the chart!) shows the current state of legalization across the United States. Traveling to another state, even with a medical marijuana authorization from Louisiana, may still render you in legal trouble if it is not legal in the state to which you travel (or through which you travel).

Finally, strangely, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an interesting perspective on air travel while carrying marijuana on their website:

The second paragraph of this blurb from the TSA’s website is, I think, the most important despite the permissiveness of the first paragraph.

If you or someone you know is being prosecuted for charges related to marijuana and would like to set up a consultation, give us a call at (318) 459-9111.

The federal government has established several special criminal offenses that govern the behavior of individuals traveling by air.

Title 18, §31 defines several terms that are important for further review of the offenses that follow:

(1) Aircraft - The term “aircraft” means a civil, military, or public contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, fly, or travel in the air.

…

(4) In flight - The term “in flight” means —

(A) any time from the moment at which all the external doors of an aircraft are closed following embarkation until the moment when any such door is opened for disembarkation; and

(B) in the case of a forced landing, until competent authorities take over the responsibility for the aircraft and the persons and property are on board.

(5) In service - The term “in service” means —

(A) any time from the beginning of preflight preparation of an aircraft by ground personnel or by the crew for a specific flight until 24 hours after any landing; and

(B) in any event includes the entire period during which the aircraft is in flight.

18 USC 31(a).

Section 32 of Title 18 prohibits (among other things) destroying, setting fire to, damaging, wrecking, placing a destructive device or substance on or in proximity to an airplane, air navigation facility, or maintenance area for an aircraft. This statute is very broad and probably covers any action you could take that could cause damage while in an airport or on an airplane. There are some limitations, such that the action must be done “willfully” or with the intent to damage, destroy, or disable the aircraft, or with the intent to endanger the safety of another person. it also prohibits performing any act of violence against or incapacitating any individual on an aircraft if such act is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft. The penalty for violating these offenses is a fine and/or imprisoned for up to 20 years.

So that disagreement with the flight attendant is just not worth resorting to physical violence over.

For those traveling internationally this summer, a reminder:

Whoever knowingly and willfully, with intent to defraud the United States, smuggles, or clandestinely introduces or attempts to smuggle or clandestinely introduce into the United States any merchandise which should have been invoiced, or makes out or passes or attempts to pass, through the customhouse any false, forged, or fraudulent invoice, or other document or paper, or

Whoever fraudulently or knowingly imports or brings into the United States, any merchandise contrary to law, or receives, conceals, buys, sells, or in any manner facilitates the transportation, concealment, or sale of such merchandise after importation, knowing the same to have been imported or brought into the United States contrary to law—

Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, our both.

Proof of defendant’s possession of such goods, unless explained to the satisfaction of the jury, shall be deemed evidence sufficient to authorize conviction for violation of this Section.

18 USC 545.

On a lighter note, it is also a federal crime to aim the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft and carries a fine and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. 18 USC 39A.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and would like to schedule a consult, give us a call at (318) 459-9111.