Louisiana Is Tough When Punishing Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are among the most serious offenses one can commit. Thus, the state prosecutes such crimes very harshly and does not show mercy for the accused. Having experienced, skilled legal defense in your corner could save you from suffering the intimidating justice system, which is why our lawyers exhaust every resource needed to achieve a favorable outcome.

Depending on the severity of your alleged sex offense as well as your previous criminal history, if applicable, you could be looking at years of prison time and steep fines. Following your arrest, it is vital to not only hire our attorneys to defend you but educate yourself on the implications of your sex crimes charge. Although we offer skilled legal counsel throughout your case, it doesn't hurt to be aware of what punishments you may be facing.

Types of Sex Crimes & Charges

We will examine the definition and penalties of rape, sexual battery, prostitution and child pornography.

Rape: The act of anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse with a male or female person committed without the person's lawful consent. Emission is not necessary, and any sexual penetration, when the rape involves vaginal or anal intercourse, however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime.

First-degree rape: Rape committed upon a person sixty-five years of age or older or where the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without lawful consent of the victim because it is committed under certain circumstances. If convicted, you may be punished by death or life imprisonment without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

Second-degree rape: Rape committed when the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of the victim. If convicted, you may be punished by five to 40 years in prison. At least two years of the sentence imposed shall be without probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

Third-degree rape: Rape committed when the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of a victim. If convicted, you may be punished by up to 25 years in prison.

Sexual battery: The intentional touching of the victim's anus or genitals by the offender using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the offender, directly or through clothing, or the touching of the anus or genitals of the offender by the victim using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the victim, directly or through clothing, when:

• The offender acts without the consent of the victim
• The victim has not yet attained fifteen years of age and is at least three years younger than the offender
• The offender is seventeen years of age or older and acts under certain circumstances

If convicted, you may be punished by up to 10 years in prison. If the victim was under 13 years old when you were 17 or older, you may face a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and serve a maximum of 90 years in prison.

Prostitution: The practice of indiscriminate sexual intercourse with others for compensation and the solicitation by one person of another with the intent to engage in indiscriminate sexual intercourse with the latter for compensation.

• First offense: Up to $500 fines and/or up to 6 months in prison
• Second offense: $250 to $2,000 fines and/or up to 2 years in prison
• Third and subsequent offense: $500 to $4,000 fines and/or up to 4 years in prison
• Offense involving a person under 18: Up to $50,000 fines and/or 50 years in prison
• Offense involving a person under 14: Up to $75,000 fines and/or 25 to 50 years in prison

Child pornography: It is unlawful for a person to produce, promote, advertise, distribute, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles. It is illegal for a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of the child in pornography involving juveniles.

• Possession: Up to $50,000 fines and/or 5 to 20 years in prison
• Distribution or possession with intent to distribute: Up to $50,000 fines and/or 5 to 20 years in prison
• Promotion, advertisement or production: Up to $50,000 fines and/or 10 to 20 years in prison

Our sex crimes lawyers at The Ambeau Law Firm obtain the experience, skill and forensic DNA expertise you need to best resolve your charges. Our mission is to mitigate your penalties so you can enjoy peace of mind and move forward. Request a free consultation online or by calling (225) 330-7009!

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