What is cruelty to a juvenile in Louisiana?

Cruelty to a juvenile is:

The intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect by anyone 17 years of age or older of any child under the age of 17 whereby unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused to said child. Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense;

OR

The intentional or criminally negligent exposure by anyone 17 years of age or older of any child under the age of 17 to a clandestine laboratory operation, such as a meth lab, in a situation where it is foreseeable that the child may be physically harmed. Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

OR

The intentional or criminally negligent allowing of any child under the age of 17 years by any person over the age of 17 years to be present during the manufacturing, distribution, or purchasing or attempted manufacturing, distribution, or purchasing of a controlled dangerous substance in violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

Noteworthy

 The providing of treatment by a parent or tutor in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment, shall not for that reason alone be considered to be criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect of a child. The provisions of this Subsection shall be an affirmative defense to a prosecution.

The trial judge shall have the authority to issue any necessary orders to protect the safety of the child during the pendency of the criminal action and beyond its conclusion.

Penalties / Sentencing

Whoever commits the crime of cruelty to juveniles shall be fined not more than $1,000 dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than 10 years, or both.

Whoever commits the crime of cruelty to juveniles when the victim is 8 years old or younger shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than 20 years.

Legal Assistance

If your loved one is a victim of child abuse, contact our child injury attorney today. Our personal injury law firm has the experience and dedication that you need.

Disclaimer:

Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated or non-applicable. We strongly encourage you to look at City, Parish, and State statutes for the most recent laws and to consult a Louisiana licensed attorney.