Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 22 - CORRECTIONS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Part IX - Sentencing Commission
Subpart 1 - Felony Sentencing Guidelines
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Principles
Section IX-103 - Sentencing Principles

A. Sentences should be based primarily on the offense of conviction and the offender's prior criminal history. Therefore, those two factors determine the designated sentence range established under the guidelines.

B. The determination of the seriousness of the offense of conviction is based on the elements of the offense of conviction.

C. The severity of sanctions should increase or decrease in proportion to the seriousness of the offense of conviction and the severity of the offender's prior criminal history.

D. The guidelines are based on the typical case and the designated sentence ranges provided in the sentencing guidelines grid should be appropriate for cases in which aggravating and mitigating circumstances are not present.

E. While commitment to a term of imprisonment with or without hard labor is the most severe non-capital sanction that can follow conviction for a felony offense, there are other significant sanctions available to the sentencing court which lawfully can be imposed in conjunction with, or independent of, a term of imprisonment. These criminal penalties include home incarceration, periodic incarceration, community service, and various conditions of supervised probation.

F. Sentences shall not be determined on the basis of the race, gender, social, or economic status of the offender. The exercise of constitutional rights by the defendant during the adjudication process is not a justification for the imposition of a more severe sentence than is warranted by the offense of conviction, criminal history of the offender, and any relevant mitigating and aggravating factors. However, acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with law enforcement, which may involve relinquishment of rights, may be considered as mitigating factors justifying imposition of a more lenient sentence.

G. Sanctions imposed shall not be excessive.

H. The sentencing judge should have broad discretion in the determination and imposition of appropriate sentencing alternatives in particular cases.

I. Reasons for the imposition of a particular sentence shall be set forth for the record to facilitate appellate review.

J. The guidelines are advisory to the sentencing judge. No sentence shall be declared unlawful, inadequate, or excessive solely due to the failure of the judge to impose a sentence in conformity with the designated sentence range provided by the guidelines.

K. In imposing sentence, the court shall consider the guidelines in effect at the time of the guilty plea, plea of nolo contendere, or verdict of guilty.