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Criminal Statutes

Second Degree Cruelty to Juvenile — Louisiana

New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter — Criminal Attorney Contact 

 

Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles — La RS 14:93.2.3

Second Degree Cruelty to juveniles is:

A.(1)  Second degree cruelty to juveniles is the intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect by anyone over the age of 17 to any child under the age of 17 which causes serious bodily injury or neurological impairment to that child.

(2)  For purposes of this Section, “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury involving protracted and obvious disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, or substantial risk of death.

B.  The providing of treatment by a parent or tutor in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment, shall not for that reason alone be considered to be intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect and shall be an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this Section.

Penalties

Whoever commits the crime of second degree cruelty to juveniles shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than 40 years.

This offense is considered a Crime of Violence, therefore it is not expungeable.  However, it is a crime for which jail time is not mandatory — one may receive probation only.

 

Cruelty to Juveniles — Louisiana

New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter — Contact 

 

Cruelty to Juveniles — La RS 14:93

Cruelty to juveniles is:

(1)  The intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect by anyone 17 years of age or older of any child under the age of 17 whereby unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused to said child.  Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense; or

(2)  The intentional or criminally negligent exposure by anyone 17 years of age or older of any child under the age of 17 to a clandestine laboratory operation as defined by R.S. 40:983 in a situation where it is foreseeable that the child may be physically harmed.  Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

(3)  The intentional or criminally negligent allowing of any child under the age of 17 years by any person over the age of 17 years to be present during the manufacturing, distribution, or purchasing or attempted manufacturing, distribution, or purchasing of a controlled dangerous substance in violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law.  Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

The providing of treatment by a parent or tutor in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment, shall not for that reason alone be considered to be criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect of a child.  The provisions of this Subsection shall be an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this Section.  Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the provisions of R.S. 40:1299.36.1.

The trial judge shall have the authority to issue any necessary orders to protect the safety of the child during the pendency of the criminal action and beyond its conclusion.

 

Penalties

Whoever commits the crime of cruelty to juveniles shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than 10 years, or both.

Although this offense is a felony, it is expungeable to those who are eligible.  This is achieved by entering a plea under Article 893.

 

Attempt to Commit a Crime — Louisiana

New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter — Criminal Defense Attorney for New Orleans Area

 

Attempt to Commit a Crime — La RS 14:27

 

Any person who, having a specific intent to commit a crime, does or omits an act for the purpose of and tending directly toward the accomplishing of his object is guilty of an attempt to commit the offense intended; and it shall be immaterial whether, under the circumstances, he would have actually accomplished his purpose.

Mere preparation to commit a crime shall not be sufficient to constitute an attempt; but lying in wait with a dangerous weapon with the intent to commit a crime, or searching for the intended victim with a dangerous weapon with the intent to commit a crime, shall be sufficient to constitute an attempt to commit the offense intended.

Further, the placing of any combustible or explosive substance in or near any structure, watercraft, movable, or forestland, with the specific intent eventually to set fire to or to damage by explosive substance such structure, watercraft, movable, or forestland, shall be sufficient to constitute an attempt to commit the crime of arson  as defined in R.S. 14:51 through 53.

An attempt is a separate but lesser grade of the intended crime; and any person may be convicted of an attempt to commit a crime, although it appears on the trial that the crime intended or attempted was actually perpetrated by such person in pursuance of such attempt.

 

Whoever attempts to commit any crime shall be punished as follows:

 

If the offense so attempted is punishable by death or life imprisonment, he shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 10 nor more than 50 years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

If the offense so attempted is punishable by death or life imprisonment and is attempted against an individual who is a peace officer engaged in the performance of his lawful duty, he shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 20 nor more than 50 years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

If the offense so attempted is theft or receiving stolen things, and is not punishable as a felony, he shall be fined not more than 200.00 dollars, imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both.

If the offense so attempted is receiving stolen things, and is punishable as a felony, he shall be fined not more than 200.00 dollars, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.

If the offense so attempted is theft of an amount not less than 300.00 dollars nor more than 5,000.00 dollars, he shall be fined not more than 500.00 dollars, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.

If the offense so attempted is theft of an amount over 5,000.00 dollars, he shall be fined not more than 2,000.00 dollars, imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than 5 years, or both.

In all other cases he shall be fined or imprisoned or both, in the same manner as for the offense attempted; such fine or imprisonment shall not exceed one-half of the largest fine, or one-half of the longest term of imprisonment prescribed for the offense so attempted, or both.

 

If you or a loved one is facing a criminal offense, contact New Orleans Criminal Attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter for a consultation.  We are ready to start working on your case today!

 

 

What is Criminal Conspiracy? — Louisiana

Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation New Orleans

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter — Attorney at Law New Orleans

 

Louisiana Definition of Criminal Conspiracy

 

Criminal Conspiracy — La RS 14:26

 

Criminal conspiracy is the agreement or combination of two or more persons for the specific purpose of committing any crime; provided that an agreement or combination to commit a crime shall not amount to a criminal conspiracy unless, in addition to such agreement or combination, one or more of such parties does an act in furtherance of the object of the agreement or combination.

If the intended basic crime has been consummated, the conspirators may be tried for either the conspiracy or the completed offense, and a conviction for one shall not bar prosecution for the other.

 

Penalties

 

Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit any crime shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, in the same manner as for the offense contemplated by the conspirators; provided, however, whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than 30 years.

Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit any other crime shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, in the same manner as for the offense contemplated by the conspirators; but such fine or imprisonment shall not exceed 1/2 of the largest fine, or 1/2 the longest term of imprisonment prescribed for such offense, or both.

 

If you or a loved one is facing a criminal offense in the New Orleans area, contact Criminal Defense Attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter for a consultation.  We are here to defend you!

 

 

 

New Louisiana Bill Aims to Create the Crime of Unlawful Storage of a Firearm

New Orleans Weapons Crimes Attorney

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter — Weapons and Gun Defense Attorney

 

The Louisiana News Bureau has just announced a proposed bill that aims to create the crime of unlawful storage of a firearm.    This is House Bill 4 by Rep Norton.The proposed law provides that it is unlawful to keep or store a firearm unless it is in a locked container or is equipped with a lock to render the firearm inoperable.

 

The law proposes the following penalties:

First violation of a fine of not more than $300.

Second or subsequent violation of a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

Proposed law creates an exception if the firearm is on the person or is in use.

 

With all due respect to Rep. Norton, I think that this is the most ridiculous piece of legislation.  I would like to understand the purpose of it.  Will this make the public safer?  In light of the recent gun related tragedies in Colorado and Connecticut, I think that we are going to see a lot of proposed frivolous legislation such as this.  Again, I think that this in a legislative intent to fix a symptom instead of a problem.  What was the real issue in the recent massacres in Co. and Ct?  The lack of sufficient funding and options for mental health treatment in this country.

 

If you have been accused of a gun or weapons crime in the New Orleans area, contact Elizabeth B. Carpenter to schedule a consultation.  We are ready to take action and stand by your side.

 

 

New Bill Would Eradicate Mandatory Minimum Sentences For Marijuana Possession In Louisiana

New Orleans Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter Law — New Orleans Marijuana Defense Attorney

 

Serving Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. John, Baton Rouge, St. Charles, Plaquemines Parishes.

 

New Bill Would Eradicate Mandatory Minimum Sentences For

Marijuana Possession In Louisiana

 

Both the Louisiana House and Senate will reconvene for the 2013 Legislative Session in April 8, 2013.  As an attorney, I subscribe to email alerts regarding legislative news.  This evening I was thrilled to see a proposed bill that would eradicate mandatory minimum sentences for Marijuana Possession.

 

This bill is House Bill 103, sponsored by state Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans.  The proposed bill will lessen penalties for repeat offenders and not subject offenders to Louisiana’s Habitual Offender Law (RS La 15:529.1).    This new law would also apply to synthetic cannabinoids.

 

I am actually opposed to the legalization of synthetic cannabinoids due to the severe health complications associated with its use.  Of course, complete legalization of Marijuana would obliterate the demand for synthetic cannabinoids.

 

As a final thought, I think that Representative Badon is going to have a battle to fight in Baton Rouge over this new bill.  The state and local governments as well as substance abuse clinics love the money that they can extort out of people who are found guilty of Marijuana Possession.

 

The following is a chart demonstrating the proposed changes to the law:

 

house-bill-103--8c8d7dbeb88fb218

If you or a loved one has been charged with a Marijuana Offense in New Orleans area.  Contact a New Orleans Drug Crime Attorney – Elizabeth B. Carpenter.  We offer discounted fee for Marijuana Offenses!

 

 

Activities Relating to Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors — New Orleans Federal Pornography Attorney

New Orleans Child Pornography Attorney 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter Law is uniquely qualified to defend clients who have been accused of a child pornography offense in New Orleans area. We have represented countless clients in child pornography cases in Louisiana.  Some of the specific types of cases we address include the possession, production, possession, distribution or sale of child pornography in New Orleans. Our knowledge of the law and experience in child pornography defense gives us the skill you need to effectively challenge the allegations made against you.

 

By Elizabeth B CarpenterChild Pornography Defense Attorney New Orleans

 

Title 18 U.S.C. § 2252 : US Code – Section 2252: Activities Relating to Material

Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors

 

(a) Any person who -
(1) knowingly transports or ships in interstate or foreign
commerce by any means including by computer or mails, any visual
depiction, if -
(A) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use
of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(B) such visual depiction is of such conduct;
(2) knowingly receives, or distributes, any visual depiction
that has been mailed, or has been shipped or transported in
interstate or foreign commerce, or which contains materials which
have been mailed or so shipped or transported, by any means
including by computer, or knowingly reproduces any visual
depiction for distribution in interstate or foreign commerce or
through the mails, if -
(A) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use
of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(B) such visual depiction is of such conduct;
(3) either -
(A) in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of
the United States, or on any land or building owned by, leased
to, or otherwise used by or under the control of the Government
of the United States, or in the Indian country as defined in
section 1151 of this title, knowingly sells or possesses with
intent to sell any visual depiction; or
(B) knowingly sells or possesses with intent to sell any
visual depiction that has been mailed, or has been shipped or
transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or which was
produced using materials which have been mailed or so shipped
or transported, by any means, including by computer, if -
(i) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use
of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(ii) such visual depiction is of such conduct; or
(4) either -
(A) in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of
the United States, or on any land or building owned by, leased
to, or otherwise used by or under the control of the Government
of the United States, or in the Indian country as defined in
section 1151 of this title, knowingly possesses 1 or more
books, magazines, periodicals, films, video tapes, or other
matter which contain any visual depiction; or
(B) knowingly possesses 1 or more books, magazines,
periodicals, films, video tapes, or other matter which contain
any visual depiction that has been mailed, or has been shipped
or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or which was
produced using materials which have been mailed or so shipped
or transported, by any means including by computer, if -
(i) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use
of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(ii) such visual depiction is of such conduct;
shall be punished as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

Penalties

(b)(1) Whoever violates, or attempts or conspires to violate,
paragraphs (!1) (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) shall be fined
under this title and imprisoned not less than 5 years and not more
than 20 years, but if such person has a prior conviction under this
chapter, chapter 71, chapter 109A, or chapter 117, or under section
920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military
Justice), or under the laws of any State relating to aggravated
sexual abuse, sexual abuse, or abusive sexual conduct involving a
minor or ward, or the production, possession, receipt, mailing,
sale, distribution, shipment, or transportation of child
pornography, such person shall be fined under this title and
imprisoned for not less than 15 years nor more than 40 years.
(2) Whoever violates, or attempts or conspires to violate,
paragraph (4) of subsection (a) shall be fined under this title or
imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both, but if such person has
a prior conviction under this chapter, chapter 71, chapter 109A, or
chapter 117, or under section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under the laws of any State
relating to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, or abusive
sexual conduct involving a minor or ward, or the production,
possession, receipt, mailing, sale, distribution, shipment, or
transportation of child pornography, such person shall be fined
under this title and imprisoned for not less than 10 years nor more
than 20 years.
(c) Affirmative Defense. - It shall be an affirmative defense to
a charge of violating paragraph (4) of subsection (a) that the
defendant -
(1) possessed less than three matters containing any visual
depiction proscribed by that paragraph; and
(2) promptly and in good faith, and without retaining or
allowing any person, other than a law enforcement agency, to
access any visual depiction or copy thereof -
(A) took reasonable steps to destroy each such visual
depiction; or
(B) reported the matter to a law enforcement agency and
afforded that agency access to each such visual depiction.


Contact

If you need a Child Pornography Defense Attorney in New Orleans, call attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter at 504-599-5955 or email her to schedule a consultation.  Early intervention by an experienced sex crime defense attorney can make a tremendous difference in your case.  We are here to help you, not judge you.

 

Possession Or Dealing Firearms With Obliterated Mark — Louisiana

New Orleans Weapons Crimes Defense Attorney

 

If you are being criminally charged with Possession or Dealing Firearms With Obliterated Markcontact Elizabeth B. Carpenter Law for a consultation.  We are ready to defend you and protect your rights!

 

By Elizabeth B Carpenter

 

Possession or Dealing Firearms With Obliterated Mark — 14:95.7

No person shall intentionally receive, possess, carry, conceal, buy, sell, or transport any firearm from which the serial number or mark of identification has been obliterated.

This Section shall not apply to any firearm which is an antique or war relic and is inoperable or for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade, or which was originally manufactured without such a number.

Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars and imprisoned as follows:

First Offense — not less than 1 yr no more than 5 yrs.

Second or Subsequent Offenses — not less than 2 no more than 10yrs.

Criminal Defense Attorney New Orleans — Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq.

Possession or Distribution of a Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substance — Louisiana

New Orleans Drug Possession Distribution Attorney

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. — New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

 

Defending those accused of Drug Crimes in Jefferson, St. John, St. Bernard, Orleans, St. Tammany, Plaquemines St. James, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and St. Charles Parishes!!!

 

Distribution or Possession of Drugs Listed in Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substance  – La. R.S. 40:969

 

See Schedule I

See Schedule II

See Schedule III

See Schedule V

 

It is unlawful:

 

To produce, manufacture, possess with intent to producea controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule V;

To create, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule V.

These crimes are felonies.

 

Penalties —  Manufacturing, Distributing or Possessing with Intent to Distribute a Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substance.

 

Schedule V shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment at hard labor for not more than five years; and, in addition, may be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than five thousand dollars

 

Possession a Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substance

 

Penalties

It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule IV unless such substance was obtained directly or pursuant to a valid prescription. Any person who violates this Subsection shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than 5 years and, in addition, may be required to pay a fine of not more than $5,000.00

 

 

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. – Louisiana Drug Crimes Attorney

Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substance — Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS DRUG CRIME DEFENSE ATTORNEY

 

Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. — New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney  
 The following is a list of Schedule IV controlled and dangerous substances as defined in the Louisiana Criminal Code.  You can find the statutes pertaining to illegal possession, manufacturing, and distribution here.

 

SCHEDULE V CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE — La. R.S. 40:964

 

SCHEDULE V

A.  Narcotic drugs containing nonnarcotic active medicinal ingredients.  Any compound, mixture, or preparation containing any of the following limited quantities of narcotic drugs or salts thereof, which shall include one or more nonnarcotic active medicinal ingredients in sufficient proportion to confer upon the compound, mixture, or preparation valuable medicinal qualities other than those possessed by the narcotic drug alone:

(1)  Not more than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.

(2)  Not more than 100 milligrams of dihydrocodeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.

(3)  Not more than 100 milligrams of ethylmorphine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.

(4)  Not more than 2.5 milligrams of diphenoxylate and not less than 25 micrograms of atropine sulphate per dosage unit.

(5)  Not more than 100 milligrams of opium per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.

(6)  Not more than 0.5 milligrams of difenoxin and not less than 25 micrograms of atropine sulfate per dosage unit.

B.  Narcotic drugs.  Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing any of the following narcotic drugs and their salts, as set forth below:

(1)  Repealed by Acts 2006, No. 54, §2.

C.  Stimulants.  Unless specifically exempted or excluded or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances having a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers:

(1)  Pyrovalerone

D.  Depressants.  Unless specifically exempted or excluded or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances having a depressant effect on the central nervous system, including its salts:

(1)  Pregbalin

(2)  Lacosamide

E.(1)  Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine.  Unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing any detectable quantity of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, their salts or optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers.

(2)(a)  Nonprescription products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine shall not be sold or distributed in a quantity greater than nine grams of ephedrine base, pseudoephedrine base, or phenylpropanolamine base to the same purchaser within any thirty-day period.

(b)  Notwithstanding the prescription requirements for Schedule V controlled dangerous substances as provided for in R.S. 40:978(C), nonprescription products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine may be dispensed without a prescription.

(3)(a)  No person shall purchase, receive, or otherwise acquire more than nine grams of ephedrine base, pseudoephedrine base, or phenylpropanolamine base within any thirty-day period.

(b)  This limit shall not apply to any quantity of such product, mixture, or preparation dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription written by a licensed health care professional having prescriptive authority.

(4)  Wholesale drug distributors licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Wholesale Drug Distributors and registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration shall be exempt from the storage, reporting, record keeping, and physical security requirements for controlled dangerous substances for nonprescription products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine which are not listed in another schedule.

(5)  Except for sales log requirements and the transmittal of transaction information to the central computer monitoring system authorized by the provisions of Part X-F of Chapter 4 of Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, pharmacies and pharmacists licensed by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration shall be exempt from the storage, reporting, record keeping, and physical security requirements for controlled dangerous substances for nonprescription products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine which are not listed in another schedule.

(6)  The transaction information provided for in R.S. 40:1049.3 for the purchase of a nonprescription product containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine shall constitute an “order from a practitioner” as provided for in R.S. 40:970(C).  Possession of a nonprescription product containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine pursuant to a valid transaction as provided for in R.S. 40:1049.3 shall be a defense for a violation of R.S. 40:970(C).