Sex crimes are prosecuted harshly in Louisiana. If you’re facing charges, half the battle is understanding the legal process and knowing how to interpret the sex crime laws that relate to your case. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you reach out to a skilled Harahan sex crime lawyer to help you navigate the charges against you. That way, you can avoid any mistakes and give yourself a solid chance at defending yourself.
Marino Law Firm, LLC has been defending Louisianans in serious sex crime cases since 1986. Our team is led by a father-and-son duo that is dedicated to protecting our clients and securing their freedoms. We’re comfortable navigating cases through the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish, and we’re not afraid to provide the aggressive advocacy you need in and out of the courtroom.
Sex crimes cover different criminal acts that involve unwanted or inappropriate physical contact with another party without their consent. Common types of sex crimes prosecuted under Louisiana law include:
It’s estimated that someone is sexually assaulted in the United States almost once every minute. A child is assaulted once every nine minutes.
The prevalence of sex crimes in Louisiana and across the country has resulted in harsh sex crime laws and penalties for those convicted. If you’re facing charges, it’s imperative that you know what steps to take to protect yourself and build a solid defense. While the prosecution seeks maximum penalties, every case has specific details that can change the outcome, and we’re here to help you find every opportunity to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
If you’re convicted of a sex crime in Louisiana, you can expect to face serious consequences, including fines, incarceration, and mandatory registration as a sex offender in Louisiana. Sex offenders in Louisiana are classified under three tiers based on the nature and severity of the crime:
It’s important to note that you don’t typically have to register if you’re only charged with a sex crime. You typically must be convicted. In recent years, Louisiana reported a total of 10,443 registered sex offenders in the state. Their neighboring state, Texas, continues to hold the largest sex offender registry in the nation.
Louisiana’s new law for sex crime penalties pertains to surgical castration. Governor Jeff Landry signed a new law into effect in 2024 that makes surgical castration a potential penalty for certain sex crimes against children. Many states, including Louisiana, already allow chemical castration for certain sex crimes.
Chemical castration uses pharmaceutical drugs to dampen their sex drive. Surgical castration, on the other hand, involves physically removing the testicles or ovaries to stop the production of sex hormones.
No, you typically cannot have a sex crime conviction in Harahan expunged from your criminal record. If you were charged but not officially convicted, you generally can have the arrest expunged from your record.
Even misdemeanor offenses involving domestic violence, sexual acts, or stalking cannot generally be expunged. Convicted sex crimes that involve registering as a sex offender, as well as many violent crimes and crimes against minors, are not eligible for expungement under Louisiana law.
Sex crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies under Louisiana law. That said, most sex crimes are charged as felonies and carry severe penalties, including long-term prison sentences at hard labor, registration as a sex offender, and applicable legal fines.
Specific sex crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor, including some sexual battery and prostitution charges. It’s possible to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, but it can be a challenging process. A Harahan sex crime lawyer can help.
You may be able to have your name removed from the Louisiana Sex Offender Registry depending on the details of your conviction. Sex offenders who have committed serious offenses must remain on the registry for life.
Tier 1 and 2 sex offenders typically become eligible to have their names removed after a certain period of time. You typically must file a petition to have your name removed. It doesn’t get removed automatically.
Facing charges for any type of sex crime is very serious. If you’re facing charges, a Harahan sex crime attorney can help you form your defense and advocate for you in and out of the courtroom. Going up against the criminal justice system can be daunting, and the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference.
Our team at Marino Law Firm, LLC brings over four decades of criminal defense experience to the table. We’re confident we can help you navigate your charges and work toward a positive outcome for your case. We’re licensed with the Louisiana State Bar Association and the New Orleans Bar Association and are dedicated to representing our clients in Jefferson Parish and surrounding communities.
Our attorneys have experience navigating matters through the 24th Judicial District Court and throughout the River Parishes. If you’re ready to talk to a lawyer about your case, reach out to set up a consultation with a member of our team. You can visit us at our office in Destrehan to get started. You can find us on Campus Drive East near I-310.
Marino Law Firm, LLC, represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana’s river parishes. During regular business hours, call our Destrehan, Louisiana, office-toll free at 985-764-1515 with any urgent matters, including updates to an existing case. Our staff is available to take messages, schedule appointments and answer question about nonlegal matters. Contact us to arrange a consultation with an experienced Destrehan family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer.
call for consultation 985-764-1515
104 Campus Drive East
Suite 101
Destrehan, LA 70047
© 2026 Marino Law Firm, LLC• All Rights Reserved. *Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required. Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy. Digital Marketing By: ![]()