Louisiana Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Louisiana. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Louisiana Quick Facts
- State Capital: Baton Rouge
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Decriminalized/Medical
- Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
- Murder SOL: None
Louisiana DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 10 days–6 months jail, $300–$1,000 fine, 90-day suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | 30 days–6 months jail, $750–$1,000 fine, 1-year suspension |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 4th offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Louisiana uses a 10-year lookback period
Louisiana Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Decriminalized/Medical |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Up to $100 fine (decriminalized 14g or less) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Misdemeanor/felony for larger amounts |
Louisiana decriminalized small amounts in 2021
Louisiana Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $1,000 |
| Felony Threshold | $1,000+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 6 months |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 20 years (theft over $25,000) |
Louisiana theft severity increases with value
Louisiana Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 4 years |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Theft | 4 years |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | 4 years |
Louisiana used to have a 30-year SOL for sex crimes; changed to none