Louisiana Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Louisiana Misdemeanor Crimes and Sentences

Learn which crimes are treated as misdemeanors in Louisiana, and how they're punished.

Louisiana Felony Crimes and Sentences

Learn which crimes are considered felonies in Louisiana and how the state's sentencing laws work.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Louisiana

In Louisiana, your criminal record may be expunged -- that is, erased or sealed -- under the circumstances described below. If your record qualifies, it will be hidden from public view.

Louisiana Criminal Statute of Limitations

Louisiana sets time limits—called statutes of limitations—for prosecutors to bring criminal charges in a case. Some crimes, like murder and first-degree rape, have no time limit and can be prosecuted at any time.

Driving on a Suspended License in Louisiana

"Driving is a privilege and not a right." In Louisiana, this saying is borne out through the many ways your license may be suspended or revoked. A number of criminal convictions, driving offenses, and other matters can cause the loss of your license. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you could be charged with a crime.

Louisiana Minor in Possession (MIP) of Alcohol Laws

The State of Louisiana has enacted minor in possession (MIP) laws to discourage underage minors from consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in public. Public possession is defined as alcoholic beverage consumption in any place that is open to the public, including streets and highways.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Louisiana

All states regulate and control the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for possession. Louisiana classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Louisiana Petty Theft and Other Theft Laws

Louisiana criminal statutes define theft as the taking of anything of value that belongs to another person, either without the consent of the other person or by fraudulent conduct.

Forgery Laws in Louisiana

It is illegal to create, use, or possess a false document in Louisiana with the intent to use it to defraud someone. Called “forgery,” this crime and its penalties are discussed below. Forgery in Louisiana In Louisiana, forgery may occur under a number of circumstances and may involve many kinds

Auto Theft Laws in Louisiana

Motor vehicle theft, carjacking, and joyriding are all serious crimes in Louisiana and a conviction can result in a long prison sentence.

Burglary and Home Invasions in Louisiana

When you imagine burglary or home invasion, you may think of images from the movies: a black-garbed “cat burglar” sneaking up drainpipes and into an open window; or a masked gunman kicking your door in. But state laws include more than what we see on the big screen.

Misdemeanor Assault and Battery in Louisiana

Assault in Louisiana is an attempt to cause physical injury to another person. Assault also is any intentional act or threat of action that reasonably causes a person to feel afraid of impending violence.

Felony Assault and Battery Louisiana

Battery in Louisiana is the intentional infliction of violence or force against another person, such as punching another person or hitting someone with an object. (La. Rev. Stat. §14:33.) An assault or battery can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the victim of the crime.

Louisiana Domestic Violence Laws

Louisiana law contains criminal provisions that outlaw domestic violence, and civil provisions that make court-issued protective orders available to victims of domestic violence. The crime of domestic abuse battery carries potential jail time and fines, and violations of domestic violence protective

Disorderly Conduct in Louisiana

Louisiana's laws on disturbing the peace criminalize a variety of behavior, but what they all have in common is that they prohibit conduct that is likely to distress, anger, or disturb other people or public tranquility and order.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Louisiana

Assault or battery with a firearm is a felony in Louisiana that carries various penalties, depending on the circumstances, the identity of the victim, and whether the offender causes any injury to the victim.

Louisiana Statutory Rape Laws

Under Louisiana’s laws, a person commits the crime of statutory rape (also called carnal knowledge of a juvenile) by engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 17.

Louisiana Sexual Battery Laws

In Louisiana, a person commits the crime of rape or sexual battery by engaging in sexual activity without the other person’s consent.

Louisiana Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

The practice of “sexting”—sending nude or sexually suggestive photos electronically—has grown in recent years, especially among teenagers. Learn about Louisiana's juvenile sexting law.

Weapons Charges in Louisiana

Learn when you can be charged with a crime in Louisiana for possessing, carrying, or using a gun or other dangerous weapon.