Louisiana House Bill HB685

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/18
• Refer: 3/2/18
• Refer: 3/12/18

Caption

Adds certain offenses to the list of crimes of violence

Impact

The enactment of HB 685 would lead to significant changes in how certain offenses are prosecuted within the state. By categorizing these acts as crimes of violence, it would enable law enforcement and judicial authorities to impose harsher penalties and ensure more serious legal consequences for offenders. This shift aims to provide greater protection for victims of domestic violence and related crimes, aligning legal definitions with the severity of these offenses. Moreover, it may also influence the state's crime statistics and resource allocation towards addressing domestic violence issues more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 685, introduced by Representative Glover, seeks to expand the list of offenses classified as 'crimes of violence' under Louisiana law. This bill proposes to add several specific acts—including domestic abuse battery, battery of a dating partner, false imprisonment while armed with a dangerous weapon, simple battery of persons with infirmities, and certain violations of protective orders—to the existing statutes outlining what constitutes a crime of violence. The intent behind these additions is to strengthen the legal response to particularly harmful behaviors that are often linked to domestic situations and to enhance protections for vulnerable individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 685 appears to be predominantly supportive, especially among advocates for victims of domestic abuse and violence prevention organizations. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure that victims are better protected and that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions. Conversely, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation and potential ramifications of broadening the definitions of violent crimes, which could lead to debates on the effectiveness of these measures in truly addressing the root causes of violence.

Contention

While there is strong support for HB 685 as a means to combat domestic violence, there may also be objections raised regarding how these changes could impact the judicial system and the accused individuals. Critics might argue that categorizing more offenses as crimes of violence could strain resources and lead to challenges in prosecuting these cases effectively. Additionally, the bill could face scrutiny regarding the balance between protecting victims and ensuring fair treatment of the accused, particularly concerning due process in the judicial system.