Louisiana · Criminal & Records
The Louisiana Criminal Law Guide
Understanding Louisiana criminal charges, the court process from bail to trial, key defenses, and the state's unique habitual offender laws.
2026-2027 Edition · Cited to Louisiana law · Plain language
Paperback · $19.99
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Cited to the statute · Legal information, not legal advice
A Louisiana criminal case, explained from arrest to sentencing
Bail hearings, indictments and bills of information, arraignment, responsive verdicts, the multi-bill, and post-conviction relief.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
An arrest in Louisiana starts a process with its own vocabulary and its own deadlines. Louisiana's criminal code is a civil law code, and the terms used in court can be unfamiliar.
The Louisiana Criminal Law Guide explains the criminal code in Title 14 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and the Code of Criminal Procedure. It explains how a felony is defined by the possibility of death or imprisonment at hard labor, what the first appearance and the Louisiana bail hearing cover, and the ways bail can be posted. It explains how felony charges begin by grand jury indictment or by bill of information, the time limits in Article 701, and the arraignment process.
The guide explains criminal intent, justification and self-defense, responsive verdicts under Article 814, and the habitual offender or multi-bill law (La. R.S. 15:529.1). It also covers sentencing, appeals, post-conviction relief, and expungement.
• Step-by-step procedures for the accused person
• A separate path for family members and supporters
• Bail, release conditions, and missed court dates
• Checklists, comparison tables, a glossary, and sample outlines
For anyone facing a criminal charge in Louisiana or supporting someone who is. Legal information, not legal advice.
WHAT’S INSIDE
- The Foundation of Louisiana Criminal Law
- Classifying Crimes: Felonies and Misdemeanors
- The Mental State: Criminal Intent
- Defenses to Crimes: Justification
- Other Defenses
- Rights of Family Member or Supporter
- Step-by-step procedures from each side, with deadlines at a glance
- 22 real-world questions and answers
- Statute index, key court decisions and official forms
- Toolkit: checklists, comparison tables, glossary and common mistakes to avoid
WHY READERS TRUST THIS GUIDE
Plain language. Cited to the statute. Dated so you know it is current.
Every rule is cited to Louisiana law so you can verify it.
Cited, so you can check it
Every rule names the section of Louisiana law it comes from, so you can read the source yourself.
Plain language, no filler
Written to be read start to finish by someone with no legal training, with worked examples.
Dated and updated
Each guide carries a law-current date and new editions ship when the law changes.
Bonus toolkit
Register your book for this topic’s checklists, worksheets and starter template, as soon as they are ready.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY
Louisiana criminal charges: what to know before you order.
Straight answers about what the guide is, what it covers and how it reaches you.
What is the difference between an indictment and a bill of information in Louisiana?
An indictment comes from a grand jury. A bill of information is filed directly by the District Attorney. Crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment must be charged by indictment; most other felonies may be charged either way.
What does "hard labor" mean in a Louisiana sentence?
A felony is a crime that may be punished by death or imprisonment at hard labor (La. R.S. 14:2). A hard labor sentence is served in the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, typically in a state prison.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is legal information in plain language, cited to the law, so you understand your options and know what to ask. Reading it creates no attorney-client relationship.
Is it written for Louisiana?
Yes. This guide is written for Louisiana law and cites the Louisiana statutes and rules it relies on. If your case is in another state, choose that state's edition.
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PLEASE READ
Legal information, not legal advice. STACKED LEGAL® is a publisher, not a law firm. Buying or reading this book creates no attorney-client relationship and promises no outcome. Laws change; verify current law and talk to a licensed attorney in Louisiana about your situation.
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