Criminal Defense in Louisiana

Louisiana's civil law tradition creates unique criminal procedures — the state uses grand jury indictments for felonies carrying life imprisonment or death, while the DA files bills of information for lesser felonies. Non-unanimous jury verdicts were abolished in 2018 (Ramos v. Louisiana). Defense costs range $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors to $8,000-$45,000 for felonies. Louisiana has mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenses and habitual offender statutes (multiple offender bill) allowing enhanced sentences for repeat felons. Orleans Parish has implemented bail reform and diversion programs. Louisiana has the second-highest incarceration rate in the nation.