New Laws - Extension of Prosecution Limitations

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.

Effective on March 5, 2024, the Legislature extended the prescriptive period for sex offenses under limited circumstances. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 572 now says:

[…] prosecutions for any sex offense may be commenced beyond the time limitations set forth in this Title if the identity of the offender is established after the expiration of such time limitation through the use of a DNA profile or newly discovered photographic or video evidence.

La. C.Cr.P. Art. 572. This change requires that the out-of-time prosecution be brought within 3 years of the date on which the offender’s is identified based on the newly discovered photographic or video evidence.

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