Louisiana Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Calculator
Louisiana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-20 years with fines $0-$50,000 For 2026 planning, the Louisiana criminal sentencing guidelines page starts with that Louisiana data point before adding your facts.
Louisiana uses determinate sentencing, with 1st Degree Felony at 0 months-50 years and 2nd Degree Felony at 0 months-40 years. The calculator uses La. R.S. 14:2 et seq.and source-verified ranges — it's an estimate, and MFL is not a law firm.
Louisiana — at a glance
- Core number: Louisiana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-20 years with fines $0-$50,000
- Authority: La. R.S. 14:2 et seq.
- Local layer: 5 county inputs can affect timing and filing logistics.
- Decision point: 8 alternative sentencing options are listed in the source data
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Run the Criminal Sentencing Calculator for Louisiana
The calculator below is pre-loaded with Louisiana (LA) rules. Your inputs stay in your browser — no account required.
Key Takeaways for Louisiana
- Sentencing framework. Louisiana is coded as determinate under La. R.S. 14:2 et seq..
- Felony examples. 1st Degree Felony: 0 months-50 years, fine $0-$50,000; 2nd Degree Felony: 0 months-40 years, fine $0-$50,000; 3rd Degree Felony: 0 months-20 years, fine $0-$50,000.
- Mandatory minimums. 5 source offenses are marked mandatory-minimum, including 1st Degree Felony.
- Source. La. R.S. 14:2 et seq..
Louisiana sentencing framework
Louisiana is marked as a determinate state, and the primary citation is La. R.S. 14:2 et seq.. That framework controls whether a felony sentencing calculator should focus on a statutory range, a guideline grid, or parole eligibility.
Felony classes and levels in Louisiana
The source data lists 1st Degree Felony at 0 months-50 years, 2nd Degree Felony at 0 months-40 years, and 3rd Degree Felony at 0 months-20 years. Fines range from $0-$50,000 for 3rd Degree Felony up to $0-$50,000 for 1st Degree Felony.
Sentencing range examples in Louisiana
A Class A Misdemeanor is 0 months-6 months with $0-$1,000 in fines, while drug trafficking is coded at 2 years-30 years with $50,000-$500,000in fines. Those are different risk bands, so don't compare charges by label alone.
Mandatory minimums and time-served rules
The LA source marks 5 offenses with mandatory-minimum flags; DUI - 2nd Offense is 1 months-6 months with $750-$1,000 and notes: Minimum 30 days (48 hours minimum without suspension); license suspended 24 months. This page doesn't add a truth-in-sentencing percentage unless the state source lists one.
Louisiana's sentencing statute citations
The calculator source cites 1 authority record: Louisiana Criminal Code (La. R.S. 14:2 et seq.). Re-check 2026-03-30 updates before using any LA range in court.
State-specific estimate overview
Louisiana cost and deadline signals is the right starting point because statewide law sets the baseline, while the facts of your criminal case determine the actual risk band. Use the calculator before you compare attorney quotes, court options, or settlement choices.
Factors that affect the Louisiana estimate usually comes down to three inputs: the amount at stake, the deadline or statutory rule, and whether the matter can be resolved before a contested filing. The calculator keeps those inputs separate so the result is easier to challenge.
Neighboring state comparison
| State | Comparison signal | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Louisiana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-20 years with fines $0-$50,000 | Current page data |
| Texas | Tex. Est. Code § 352.002; 254 county inputs tracked | Louisiana compared with nearby states; State data file |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code § 91-7-299; 82 county inputs tracked | Louisiana compared with nearby states; State data file |
| Arkansas | Ark. Code § 28-48-108; 75 county inputs tracked | Louisiana compared with nearby states; State data file |
County-level cost factors
County variation matters in Louisiana because clerk practices, hearing calendars, and local filing steps can change the time cost even when the statewide rule is fixed.
- East Baton Rouge Parish: 456,781 residents, county seat in Baton Rouge.
- Jefferson Parish: 440,781 residents, county seat in Gretna.
- Orleans Parish: 383,997 residents, county seat in New Orleans.
- St. Tammany Parish: 264,570 residents, county seat in Covington.
- Lafayette Parish: 241,753 residents, county seat in Lafayette.
Next steps before you decide
- Run the calculator with your current numbers and save the 2026 result.
- Compare the result with documents, notices, invoices, or deadlines already in hand.
- Use the estimate to prepare a focused consultation or filing plan before the next deadline.
Common state questions
What is the main Louisiana number in this Criminal Sentencing Calculator?
Louisiana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-20 years with fines $0-$50,000 The calculator uses that point as the first Louisiana signal before it layers in user-entered facts.
Does the Louisiana Louisiana criminal sentencing guidelines replace a lawyer?
No. It is a planning tool for comparing numbers, deadlines, and risk signals. Confirm La. R.S. 14:2 et seq. with an official source or a licensed professional.
Why do county details matter in Louisiana?
Louisiana has multiple county-level filing offices, court calendars, and local practices. Those local steps can change timing even when state law is the same.
What should I gather before using the Criminal Sentencing Calculator?
Gather the dates, amounts, documents, and court notices tied to your situation. The calculator is more useful when those inputs are specific rather than estimated.
What is the next step after the Louisiana estimate?
8 alternative sentencing options are listed in the source data Use the result to decide whether to organize records, request a consultation, or file the next court or agency step.
Compare your inputs
Start with the free calculator, then confirm the next legal step with the ABA state-by-state lawyer directory.
Ready to see the numbers for your Louisiana situation?
Run the calculator above — it's free, no email required.
Try the calculator — freeSources cited inline. Last verified May 1, 2026. Statutes change — confirm with the official state bar before filing.