The bill amends R.S. 14:25 to redefine the role and sentencing of accessories after the fact, particularly in relation to sex offenses. It establishes that an accessory after the fact is someone who assists a felon after the crime has been committed, with the intent to help the offender evade justice. The bill clarifies that an accessory can be prosecuted even if the principal offender has not been apprehended or tried.

Significantly, the bill introduces mandatory minimum sentences for those who become accessories after the fact to sex offenses. Specifically, it stipulates that such individuals will face imprisonment for at least half of the minimum sentence applicable to the principal offender, and not exceeding half of the maximum sentence. For sex offenses that carry a life sentence, the accessory will face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of fifty years in prison, without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of the sentence.

Statutes affected:
SB410 Original:
SB410 Engrossed:
SB410 Enrolled:
SB410 Act 507: