Louisiana is known as “the world’s prison capital” for having not only the highest incarceration rate in the country but in the entire world. Louisiana’s Three Strikes Law can drastically increase prison sentences for those with prior felony convictions, potentially leading to life imprisonment without parole. The federal three strikes law also imposes increasingly severe…
Although a highly controversial subject, capital punishment remains a legal penalty in the United States. A grand majority of states may still impose the death penalty for the most heinous offenses. In Louisiana, cases in which a defendant may be sentenced to death proceed differently from other felony trials. If you have recently been charged…
Overall, there are higher instances of violent crime in the southern United States than anywhere else in the country, yet one of those states has persistently been named the “Murder Capital of America” for nearly three decades. Louisiana has the highest homicide rate in the United States for 34 consecutive years, from 1989 to 2022….
Individuals convicted of sex crimes in this country face more hardships beyond their sentence than those convicted of any other offense. Although laws aimed at people convicted of sex crimes intend to protect society, they often indirectly encourage harassment, ostracism, and even violence against sex offenders. If you are arrested for a sex crime in…
All criminal charges are classified as an infraction, felony, or misdemeanor. While infractions are the least severe, both misdemeanor and felony charges face penalties such as steep fines, incarceration, probation, and more. The penalties for a charge are largely dependent on the circumstances surrounding the case. In the state of Louisiana, how individuals have been…
A first-time arrest can jeopardize your career, housing options, and financial future—but Louisiana law provides paths to keep your record clean. Under Louisiana’s pretrial diversion programs, qualifying first-time offenders may avoid conviction entirely by completing court-ordered requirements instead of facing traditional prosecution. At The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, our Louisiana criminal…
The governor of Louisiana recently signed a new bill into law, outlining the responsibilities of various law enforcement agencies and their roles in maintaining public safety. Dubbed the “Blue Lives Matter” bill, this bill makes it a felony hate crime to commit a criminal offense against a police officer. It also extends to resisting arrest…
Any case that goes to trial in front of a jury carries the possibility of a mistrial. A judge must declare a mistrial when the jury for a criminal trial cannot agree to a verdict. Such an occurrence can have benefits for the defendant, although there is always the chance that the case will be…
Those with diabetes could produce a false positive blood alcohol content (BAC) if they are given a breathalyzer test while experiencing low blood sugar. The symptoms of low blood sugar levels are very similar to being under the influence of alcohol. In many instances, police officers will not take the time to investigate if the…
DNA evidence is one of the most influential modern technologies in the criminal justice system. In the face of advanced technological scrutiny, DNA evidence has continued to be a dependable source of evidence for resolving criminal cases. Although it is difficult to argue with DNA evidence, new research suggests it is not as invincible as…