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What is the three strikes law in Louisiana?

On Behalf of | Jun 23, 2017 | Firm News, Murder & Other Homicide Crimes |

Louisiana residents who are facing serious criminal charges can feel overwhelmed. A serious charge such as murder can change a life forever. In Louisiana, like many other states in the United States, there is a three-strike law for those who have been convicted of a violent felony like murder or manslaughter.

Louisiana residents who have two prior felonies on their record and are facing their third serious violent felony may under the three-strikes law face a sentence of a life in prison. A serious violent felony can include murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping or robbery. Louisiana may also sentence a defendant who has three nonviolent convictions for 12 years in prison up to life without parole. Louisiana has tough sentencing laws which result in long sentences for crimes that may not be sentenced so harshly in other states.

Those who are facing a serious criminal charge should know the penalties they could face. Some of these penalties could affect a life forever, depending on prior convictions. A legal professional who is skilled in criminal defense can help their client during this difficult time. An attorney understands the charges their client is facing and the potential consequences. If a defendant has prior criminal convictions, an attorney can be even more necessary. They can explain Louisiana’s three-strike law and how it could affect them if they are convicted. They can also aggressively defend their client and make sure their side of the story is heard.

Louisiana has tough sentencing laws, especially for repeat offenders or those who are convicted of drug or violent crimes. Those who are facing a serious criminal charge should know their legal rights.

Source: findlaw.com, “Three strikes’ sentencing laws“, accessed on June 20, 2017

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