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What Does a Felony Conviction Mean in Louisiana?
Many other states view felonies as categories or levels; in Louisiana, a felony is simply any charge that you may face more than a year in prison for. According to the Louisiana State Legislature, a felony is “any crime for which an offender may be sentenced to death or imprisonment or hard labor.” Each crime is penalized based on guidelines from the state.
Some of the standard felony charges are murder, second-degree murder, DUI of a third offense or more, theft, Battery of a police officer, aggravated rape, manslaughter or third-degree robbery. It’s important to note that the death penalty is an option in Louisiana, and defendants can be sentenced to death rather than life in prison for some felony charges.
Felony Theft in Louisiana
Theft can lead to misdemeanor charges if the first offense and the property’s value is less than $100. The critical difference here is if it’s a second offense, even if the property is worth less than $100, this charge may result in a felony.
Felony theft typically entails property taken worth more than $1,000 and can result in 5-20 years in prison. The range allows the courts discretion based on what was taken and previous offenses.
Embezzlement can lead to felony charges, as it typically refers to willfully taking or keeping money entrusted to an individual. Embezzlement typically occurs in the office world, but it’s not exclusive to this environment.
The prosecutors must provide evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the offender was entrusted with money they misappropriated and that the funds were converted to their ownership for personal gain. However, there are options for a misdemeanor charge if it’s the first offense or the amount of money was less than $1,000. If the amount is $1,000 or more and the defendant is convicted, they could face up to five years in prison.
Felony theft can include a myriad of items, such as a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, livestock theft, and more. If the property is worth more than $1,000, a felony may result. The penalties are exponentially worse based on the value of the property. For example, if the value is $5,000 instead of $1,000, more years in prison may be required.
Felony Murder Charges
First-degree murder is a felony and may result in life in prison, the death penalty, hard labor, and without the option for parole or a reduced sentence if the defendant was found to have willfully and intentionally planned and carried out a murder.
Second-degree murder is a felony that can result in being sentenced to life in prison and hard labor. Second-degree murder is typically considered a crime of passion.
Manslaughter charges result if a person’s death was not intentional but happened due to negligence. Sentences can range from 10 to forty years, and the variables typically have to do with the victim’s age and other relevant facts.
Other Felony Charges
A third DUI charge can lead to up to five years in prison, a fine as high as $2,000, and a felony record.
Aggravated rape consists of severe bodily harm and rape of a victim. The punishment is typically life in prison with hard labor and can lead to the death penalty if there are exceptional circumstances, like a child as a victim.
Battery of a police officer – if an injury requiring medical attention is inflicted on an officer, a felony charge may occur, leading to up to five years in prison.
How May a Felony Charge Affect My Life?
Unless expunged, a felony will stay on your record for the rest of your life. With a felony on your record, obtaining employment, entering a college of your choice may be difficult, or pursuing other certifications.
You may also be prohibited from renting a home, obtaining loans such as for a car or a mortgage, and more.
Getting your record expunged may be an option, depending on the facts of your felony charge. Some felonies can’t be expunged in Louisiana. Also of note, if you were charged on a federal level, a Louisiana court can’t expunge that felony.
Once you have completed your sentence and are no longer on parole or probation, you can apply for expungement. If successful, your felony may be removed from your record. It may still appear in searches if local news covered your felony charge. Other places that may have access to your records even after the conviction has been expunged can include state boards such as dentistry, medical, or nursing and other boards like pharmacy or social work examiners.
Your Fierce and Tireless Advocates
Our team has multiple years of experience in felony charges and expungement. If you are facing felony charges, the time to act is now. We provide free initial consultations to discuss the facts and formulate a strategy to face the charges.
We will work tirelessly and aggressively to ensure the best outcome for your situation. If you have a felony on your record and would like to get it expunged, we can assist you with that as well.
Call our office today at (318) 594-3592 to get started. We offer flat fees and can help you understand your options and the costs involved to help you determine the next steps. Don’t face these serious charges with just anyone by your side. Let us work for you as your fierce advocate when you need it the most.
We look forward to your call.
