Bill > HB52

This bill amends Louisiana's Code of Criminal Procedure to change how certain misdemeanors are tried, specifically by allowing prosecutors to designate some offenses as "non-jury trial misdemeanors." Previously, if a misdemeanor carried a potential penalty of a fine over $1,000 or imprisonment exceeding six months, a jury trial was generally required. Under this bill, for offenses with such penalties that don't involve hard labor, prosecutors can choose to make them non-jury trial misdemeanors, but the maximum penalty for these will be capped at a $1,000 fine or six months in jail. For all other misdemeanors, including those designated as non-jury trial misdemeanors, the trial will be conducted by a judge without a jury. This change will apply to cases moving forward and retroactively to June 8, 2025.

Justice

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=HB52&sbi=y