Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana's habitual offender law raises the sentence for anyone convicted of a felony after an earlier felony. A second felony: a term of one-third to twice the longest term for a first conviction (two-thirds to three times, without parole, for repeat sex offenses; life without parole if both sex offenses involved victims under 13). A third felony: one-half to twice the longest term, or life without parole if all three are crimes of violence or sex offenses against a minor (in any combination). A fourth or later felony: at least the longest term for a first conviction and at least 20 years, up to life; 20 years to twice the longest term if none of the felonies is a crime of violence or sex offense; and life without parole if the fourth and two of the prior felonies are crimes of violence or sex offenses against a minor. A prior conviction does not count if more than five years (ten years for crimes of violence and sex offenses) passed between completing the earlier sentence and the new offense, not counting time in prison or on probation or parole.