Repeat Offenders

Under Louisiana Criminal Law, many statutes are set up to where each subsequent offense carries a more sever penalty. For example, first and second offense operating while intoxicated (drunk driving) are misdemeanors with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months. Third offense is a felony, with a prison sentence of 1-5 years. Fourth and subsequent offenses are felonies with a prison sentence of 10-30 years. Similarly, first and second offense simple possession of marijuana are misdemeanors. Third and subsequent offenses are felonies. Other examples of crimes that carry enhanced penalties are theft or domestic abuse, as well as numerous other types of crimes. Simply put, each time a person commits a crime that has enhanced penalty, they are subject to a more sever sentence.