Baton Rouge Criminal Lawyers Blog

On Thursday, a 60-year-oldBaton Rouge man was arrested and charged with 100 counts of pornography involving juveniles. Sources didn't provide any other details about the alleged criminal activity, but did point out that Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, who is in charge of the case, has earned a reputation for being tough on monitoring, arresting, and prosecuting child predators online.

With child pornography charges, prosecution needs to prove that the defendant knowingly and purposefully possessed, received or distributed child pornography. Proving such charges usually beings with proving that the images involved in the case constitute child pornography and that the person being charged is responsible for the images. Nowadays, this often involves looking at computer evidence, which requires forensic examination.

Earlier this month, the Louisiana House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice approved of a measure that would require second-time DWI offenders to spend at least 30 days in jail and go through substance abuse counseling. The measure, which now goes to the House floor for debate, was unanimously approved by the committee, along with another bill which would punish anyone over 18 years of age who fails to report witnessed physical or sexual abuse of a child.

The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Sherman Mack of Albany, began with requiring up to six months in prison without suspension of the sentence, but an amendment permitted the sentenced to be lowered with court-approved drier improvement and substance abuse counseling. The measure is intended to help offenders rehabilitate and avoid lengthier imprisonment.

 A Baton Rouge man facing federal drug and gun charges also faces murder charges in state court. The charges, as The Advocate notes, stem from a search of the defendant's home back in June of 2010. Police had apparently entered the man's home looking for evidence that would connect him to the 2010 homicide of two Baton Rouge men. In the process they claim to have found evidence of other criminal activity.  

The 34-year-old is specifically charged with possession with intent to distribute 79 hydrocodone pills and 200 grams of marijuana. Sources were not clear as to the specific firearms charges. At the state level he faces charges for first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Habitual offenders convicted of drug offenses and other "victimless offenses" were given a hopeful piece of news on Thursday when the Louisiana House passed a measure proposing to give them the opportunity to be released from prison.

The measure, which is supported by the state Department of Corrections, reportedly has the goal of helping to ease overcrowded prisons throughout the state. The bill requires inmates to display good behavior, receive necessary substance abuse treatment and obtain a GED or partake of other educational opportunities. Those requirements fulfilled, an inmate would be eligible for parole and would have to present before the parole board prior to release.