New Laws - Battery

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.