WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES
46 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Louisiana does not sort crimes into classes. Each offense section sets its own term and fine, and R.S. 14:2 makes any crime that can be punished at hard labor a felony and every other crime a misdemeanor, so each level here names the kind and the longest term the section allows.
46 charges
Illegal carrying of weapons
6 MONTH MISD to 30 YEAR FELONY · up to 30 years
Also searched as carrying a concealed weapon, gun in a courthouse, gun charge
Intentionally concealing a firearm or other dangerous weapon on one's person outside the section's exceptions, or possessing a dangerous weapon on a school campus or bus, or in a police building, jail, courthouse or the state capitol.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenA first conviction |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenWith a firearm used in a crime of violence, 1 to 2 years |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenA second conviction |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenA third or later conviction, without parole, probation or suspension |
| 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty years | Up to 30 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenHaving a gun during a crime of violence or a drug offense, again after a conviction for it, 20 to 30 years at hard labor |
Having a firearm while committing a crime of violence, or a drug offense other than possessing fourteen grams or less of marijuana, carries 5 to 10 years at hard labor and up to $10,000 on a first conviction.
Possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies
20 YEAR FELONY · up to 20 years
Also searched as felon in possession, felon with a gun
Possessing a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon after a conviction for a crime of violence, burglary, a drug felony or another felony the section lists, during the period the section bars.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 years$1,000 to $5,000 fine | WhenAny violation, 5 to 20 years at hard labor without probation, parole or suspension |
An attempt carries 1 year to seven and a half years at hard labor.
Possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic abuse battery
20 YEAR FELONY · up to 20 years
Also searched as domestic violence gun ban, DV gun charge
Possessing a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon after a conviction for domestic abuse battery, or for battery of a dating partner of the kinds the section lists.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 years$1,000 to $5,000 fine | WhenAny violation, 1 to 20 years without probation, parole or suspension |
Carrying a firearm on school property
5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as gun at school, firearm free zone, weapon on a school bus
Possessing a firearm or dangerous weapon on a school campus, on school transportation, at a school sponsored function, or in a firearm free zone, outside the section's exceptions.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenAny violation, at hard labor |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenWith the weapon used in a crime of violence there, 1 to 5 years |
Possession of a firearm on the premises of an alcoholic beverage outlet
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as gun in a bar
Intentionally possessing a firearm on the premises of a business that sells alcohol by the drink for drinking there, outside the section's exceptions for owners, employees, officers and certain restaurants.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenAny violation |
Illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile
6 MONTH MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as minor with a handgun, teen with a gun
Knowingly possessing a handgun on one's person while under the age of eighteen, outside the section's exceptions.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $100 fine | WhenA first conviction, 90 days to 6 months |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $500 fine | WhenA second conviction |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenA third or later conviction, at hard labor |
Unlawful sales of weapons to minors
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as selling a gun to a minor
Selling or otherwise delivering for value a firearm or other dangerous weapon to a person under eighteen; not knowing the age is no defense.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $300 fine | WhenAny violation |
Interception and disclosure of communications
10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as illegal wiretap, secret recording, eavesdropping
Willfully intercepting a wire, electronic or oral communication, or using or disclosing one so intercepted, outside the chapter's exceptions such as being a party to it or having a party's consent.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | WhenAny violation, 2 to 10 years at hard labor |
Disturbing the peace
90 DAY MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as disorderly conduct, breach of peace, drunk in public
Doing any of the acts the section lists, such as a fistfight, offensive words to someone in a public place, or appearing intoxicated, in a way that would foreseeably disturb or alarm the public.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety days | Up to 90 daysUp to $100 fine | WhenMost violations |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenThe violations the section singles out, such as at a funeral or a place of worship |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenA simple battery or damage to property during one of those |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenWhile armed with a dangerous weapon during one of those |
Criminal trespass
30 DAY MISD to 6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as trespassing, squatting
Entering a structure, watercraft or movable, or immovable property, owned by another without express, legal or implied authorization.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty days | Up to 30 days$100 to $500 fine | WhenA first offense |
| 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety days | Up to 90 days$300 to $750 fine | WhenA second offense |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$500 to $1,000 fine | WhenA third or later offense, 60 days to 6 months |
Entry or remaining after being forbidden
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as refusing to leave, banned from a store
Going into or remaining in or on any structure, watercraft, movable or land belonging to another after being forbidden, orally, in writing or by a sign, by the owner or another authorized person.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenAny violation |
Resisting an officer
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as resisting arrest, obstruction, refusing to give a name
Intentionally interfering with, opposing, resisting or obstructing an officer making a lawful arrest, detention or seizure, knowing or having reason to know the officer is acting officially.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenAny violation |
Resisting a police officer with force or violence
3 YEAR FELONY · up to 3 years
Also searched as battery on an officer while resisting
Using threatening force or violence, or resisting with force, against a person the offender has reasonable grounds to believe is a police officer arresting, detaining or otherwise performing an official duty.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 3 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAny violation, 1 to 3 years |
Flight from an officer
6 MONTH MISD to 15 YEAR FELONY · up to 15 years
Also searched as fleeing, running from police in a car, aggravated flight
Intentionally refusing to stop a vehicle or watercraft, knowing a police officer gave a visual and audible signal to stop with reasonable grounds to believe an offense was committed.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$150 to $500 fine | WhenFlight from an officer |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAggravated flight, at hard labor |
| 15 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to fifteen years | Up to 15 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAggravated flight that results in serious bodily injury, 2 to 15 years |
Simple assault
90 DAY MISD to 6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as assault, threatening someone
An assault without a dangerous weapon, meaning an attempt to commit a battery or intentionally placing another in reasonable apprehension of receiving one.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety days | Up to 90 daysUp to $200 fine | WhenOrdinarily |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenAgainst an employee of a regulated establishment |
Aggravated assault
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as assault with a weapon
An assault committed with a dangerous weapon.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenOrdinarily |
Simple battery
6 MONTH MISD to 2 YEAR FELONY · up to 2 years
Also searched as battery, hitting someone
A battery committed without the consent of the victim, battery meaning the intentional use of force or violence on another person.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenOrdinarily |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAgainst an employee of a regulated establishment |
Aggravated battery
10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as battery with a weapon
A battery committed with a dangerous weapon.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
Domestic abuse battery
6 MONTH MISD to 30 YEAR FELONY · up to 30 years
Also searched as domestic violence, DV charge
The intentional use of force or violence by one household member or family member on another household member or family member.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$300 to $1,000 fine | WhenA first conviction, 30 days to 6 months |
| 1 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to one year | Up to 1 year$750 to $1,000 fine | WhenA second conviction, 60 days to 1 year |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 years$2,000 fine | WhenA third conviction, 1 to 5 years |
| 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty years | Up to 30 years$5,000 fine | WhenA fourth or later conviction, 10 to 30 years at hard labor |
Strangulation, burning, a dangerous weapon, serious bodily injury, a pregnant victim, or a child thirteen or younger present each add time.
Operating a vehicle while impaired
6 MONTH MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as DWI, DUI, drunk driving, operating while impaired
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$300 to $1,000 fine | WhenA first offense, 10 days to 6 months |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$750 to $1,000 fine | WhenA second offense, 30 days to 6 months |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 years$2,000 fine | WhenA third offense, 1 to 5 years |
At 0.15 percent or more, at least forty eight hours of a first offense sentence are served without suspension.
Underage operating while impaired
3 MONTH MISD to 6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as under 21 DUI, zero tolerance
Operating a vehicle while under twenty one with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 3 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to three months | Up to 3 months$100 to $250 fine | WhenA first conviction, 10 days to 3 months |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$250 to $500 fine | WhenA second or later conviction, 30 days to 6 months |
Reckless operation of a vehicle
90 DAY MISD to 6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as reckless driving
Operating a vehicle or watercraft in a criminally negligent or reckless manner.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety days | Up to 90 daysUp to $200, plus $5 fine | WhenA first conviction |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500, plus $10 fine | WhenA second or later conviction, 10 days to 6 months |
Hit and run driving
6 MONTH MISD to 20 YEAR FELONY · up to 20 years
Also searched as leaving the scene of an accident
A driver involved in a crash intentionally failing to stop, give identity and render reasonable aid.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenNo death or serious bodily injury |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenDeath or serious bodily injury, 2 to 10 years |
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenDeath or serious bodily injury with the further conditions the section lists, such as a prior impaired driving conviction, 5 to 20 years |
Vehicular homicide
30 YEAR FELONY · up to 30 years
Also searched as DWI death, vehicular manslaughter
Killing a human being, caused by an offender operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, where that condition contributed to the death.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty years | Up to 30 years$2,000 to $15,000 fine | WhenAny violation, 5 to 30 years, at least 3 without probation, parole or suspension |
At 0.15 percent or more, at least 5 years are served without probation, parole or suspension.
Vehicular negligent injuring
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as DWI crash with injury
Inflicting any injury on a person, caused by an offender operating a vehicle while impaired, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
First degree vehicular negligent injuring
10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as DWI crash with serious injury
Inflicting serious bodily injury on a person, caused by an offender operating a vehicle while impaired, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
Operating a vehicle while license is suspended
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as driving under suspension, DUS, driving on a revoked license
Operating a motor vehicle on a public highway during a suspension, revocation or cancellation of the license.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500, and a civil penalty up to $1,250 fine | WhenA Class D or E license |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $5,000, and a civil penalty up to $2,500 fine | WhenA Class A, B or C license |
Passing a stopped school bus
6 MONTH MISD to 12 MONTH MISD · up to 12 months
Also searched as school bus violation
Failing to stop at least thirty feet from a school bus stopped with its signals on to load or unload children, or going on before it moves or the signals go off.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$100 to $500 fine | WhenNo one hurt |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$200 to $500 fine | WhenSomeone injured |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$500 to $1,000 fine | WhenSerious bodily injury |
| 12 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to twelve months | Up to 12 months$1,000 to $5,000 fine | WhenA death |
Using a wireless device while driving
FINE ONLY · no jail
Also searched as texting and driving, hands free law
Operating a wireless device while driving on a public road, which includes holding it in either hand, unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FINE ONLYFine only, no jail | No jail$100 fine | WhenAnywhere else, a secondary offense found on a stop for something else |
| FINE ONLYFine only, no jail | No jail$250 fine | WhenIn a school zone or highway construction zone, a primary offense |
Open container in a motor vehicle
FINE ONLY · no jail
Also searched as open container, drinking in the car
A driver or passenger having an open alcoholic beverage container, or drinking, in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway or right of way.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FINE ONLYFine only, no jail | No jailUp to $100 fine | WhenAny violation |
Possession of marijuana
FINE ONLY to 8 YEAR FELONY · up to 8 years
Also searched as weed, pot, simple possession
Knowingly or intentionally possessing marijuana without a valid prescription or recommendation or another lawful authority.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FINE ONLYFine only, no jail | No jailUp to $100 fine | WhenFourteen grams or less, on any conviction |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenMore than fourteen grams, a first conviction |
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenMore than fourteen grams, a second conviction |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $2,500 fine | WhenMore than fourteen grams, a third conviction |
| 8 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to eight years | Up to 8 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenMore than fourteen grams, a fourth or later conviction |
Purchase or public possession of alcohol under 21
FINE ONLY · no jail
Also searched as minor in possession, MIP
Buying or having public possession of an alcoholic beverage while under twenty one, outside the section's exceptions.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FINE ONLYFine only, no jail | No jailUp to $100 fine | WhenAny violation, on a citation |
Unlawful sales to persons under twenty one
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as selling alcohol to a minor, furnishing
Selling or otherwise delivering for value any alcoholic beverage to a person under twenty one; not knowing the age is no defense.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 months$500 to $1,000 fine | WhenAny violation, 30 days to 6 months |
Sale, purchase or possession of tobacco under 21
FINE ONLY · no jail
Also searched as underage vaping
Selling tobacco, nicotine or vapor products to a person under twenty one, or a person under twenty one buying or possessing them.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FINE ONLYFine only, no jail | No jailUp to $50 fine | WhenA first sale or purchase, or any possession |
Theft
6 MONTH MISD to 20 YEAR FELONY · up to 20 years
Also searched as larceny, stealing, shoplifting, porch piracy
Taking or misappropriating anything of value belonging to another, without consent or by fraud, intending to deprive the owner of it permanently.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenLess than $1,000 |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenLess than $1,000, after two or more theft convictions, or a package taken from a home |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $3,000 fine | When$1,000 to less than $5,000 |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | When$5,000 to less than $25,000 |
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 yearsUp to $50,000 fine | When$25,000 or more, at hard labor |
Issuing worthless checks
6 MONTH MISD to 20 YEAR FELONY · up to 20 years
Also searched as bad check, bounced check, NSF check
Issuing a check for anything of value with intent to defraud, knowing the account lacks the funds to pay it, or is closed or does not exist.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenLess than $1,000 |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenAfter two or more theft convictions |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $3,000 fine | WhenMore than $1,000 but less than $5,000 |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | When$5,000 to less than $25,000 |
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 yearsUp to $50,000 fine | When$25,000 or more, at hard labor |
Identity theft
6 MONTH MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as stolen identity
Intentionally using, possessing or transferring another person's identifying information, with fraudulent intent and without consent, to obtain anything of value.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenLess than $300 |
| 3 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to three years | Up to 3 yearsUp to $3,000 fine | When$300 to less than $500 |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | When$500 to less than $1,000 |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | When$1,000 or more |
A victim sixty or older, a person with a disability, or a victim under seventeen raises the grade.
Stalking
1 YEAR MISD to 40 YEAR FELONY · up to 40 years
Also searched as
Intentionally and repeatedly following or harassing another person in a way that would cause a reasonable person to feel alarmed or to suffer emotional distress.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 year$500 to $1,000 fine | WhenA first conviction, 30 days to 1 year, with a psychiatric evaluation |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenWhile a protective order or no contact order is in effect, 90 days to 2 years |
| 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty years | Up to 20 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenA second conviction within seven years, 5 to 20 years |
| 40 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to forty years | Up to 40 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenA third or later conviction, 10 to 40 years |
A stalking conviction cannot be expunged.
Cyberstalking
1 YEAR MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as online harassment, threatening texts
Using email or electronic messages to threaten bodily harm, to extort money or anything of value, or to repeatedly threaten, terrify or harass someone.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one year | Up to 1 yearUp to $2,000 fine | WhenA first conviction |
Second and later convictions within seven years carry longer terms and fines up to $5,000.
Unlawful communications
6 MONTH MISD to 2 YEAR FELONY · up to 2 years
Also searched as harassing phone calls, harassing texts
Using obscene language or threats in a call or message to coerce, intimidate or harass, or making repeated calls or messages to abuse, torment, harass, embarrass or threaten someone.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenA first offense |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $5,000 fine | WhenA second or later offense |
Violation of protective orders
6 MONTH MISD to 5 YEAR FELONY · up to 5 years
Also searched as breaking a restraining order, violating a TRO
Willfully disobeying a protective order or injunction after a contradictory hearing, or a temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order once served.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenA first conviction |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenA second or later conviction, 14 days to 2 years |
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenWith a battery or crime of violence on the protected person, or going to the home, school or work while armed, 3 months to 2 years |
| 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five years | Up to 5 yearsUp to $2,000 fine | WhenThe same, after a conviction of that kind within the past five years, 1 to 5 years |
Nonconsensual disclosure of a private image
2 YEAR FELONY · up to 2 years
Also searched as revenge porn, sharing nudes without consent
Intentionally sharing an identifiable image of another whose intimate parts are exposed or who is engaged in sexual conduct, knowing or having reason to know the person did not consent and the image was to stay private.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two years | Up to 2 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
Cruelty to animals
6 MONTH MISD to 10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as animal abuse, animal neglect
Intentionally or with criminal negligence overworking, tormenting, beating or abandoning an animal, or failing to give one in one's charge proper food, drink, shelter or veterinary care.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenSimple cruelty, a first offense |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 years$5,000 to $25,000 fine | WhenSimple cruelty again, or aggravated cruelty, 1 to 10 years |
Cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities
10 YEAR FELONY · up to 10 years
Also searched as elder abuse, nursing home neglect
Intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect, by anyone including a caregiver, that causes unjustifiable pain, malnourishment or suffering to a person who is elderly, has a disability or has an infirmity.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | WhenA first conviction |
| 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten years | Up to 10 yearsUp to $10,000 fine | WhenA second or later conviction, 5 to 10 years at hard labor |
Unlawful ownership of a vicious dog
6 MONTH MISD · up to 6 months
Also searched as dangerous dog charge
Owning a dog already determined to be dangerous that, unprovoked and aggressively, seriously injures or kills a person.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six months | Up to 6 monthsUp to $500 fine | WhenAny violation |
Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system at a parade
1 YEAR FELONY · up to 1 year
Also searched as drone over a parade, drone at Mardi Gras
Intentionally flying an unmanned aircraft, without authorization, over a parade or parade route for which a government permit was issued.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to one year | Up to 1 year$2,000 to $5,000 fine | WhenAny violation |
Every level on this page, for reference
The terms come from each offense's own section. Offenses with a fine and no jail are on the ladder too, because the ticket is what a reader is holding.
- FINE ONLYFine only, no jailNo jail
- 30 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to thirty daysUp to 30 days
- 90 DAY MISDMisdemeanor, up to ninety daysUp to 90 days
- 3 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to three monthsUp to 3 months
- 6 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to six monthsUp to 6 months
- 12 MONTH MISDMisdemeanor, up to twelve monthsUp to 12 months
- 1 YEAR MISDMisdemeanor, up to one yearUp to 1 year
- 1 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to one yearUp to 1 year
- 2 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to two yearsUp to 2 years
- 3 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to three yearsUp to 3 years
- 5 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to five yearsUp to 5 years
- 8 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to eight yearsUp to 8 years
- 10 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to ten yearsUp to 10 years
- 15 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to fifteen yearsUp to 15 years
- 20 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to twenty yearsUp to 20 years
- 30 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to thirty yearsUp to 30 years
- 40 YEAR FELONYFelony, up to forty yearsUp to 40 years
Words on a charging document
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Crime of violenceAn offense with the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force as an element, or that involves a dangerous weapon, and the more than sixty the code names, from murder to stalking.
- FelonyAny crime for which an offender may be sentenced to death or imprisonment at hard labor.
- Hit and run drivingIntentionally failing to stop at the scene of an accident, give one's identity, and render reasonable aid.
- Imprisonment at hard laborThe kind of sentence that makes a crime a felony when the law allows it. A crime punished with or without hard labor is a felony, because hard labor is possible.
- MisdemeanorAny crime other than a felony.
- Reckless operation of a vehicleOperating a vehicle in a criminally negligent or reckless manner.
About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed Louisiana attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of October 2026.