Longer sentences do not equate to a lower Louisiana crime rate.

Louisiana is an outlier with sentencing laws that are inconsistent and out of step with other states. Sentencing laws in Louisiana are not consistent or standard. Those convicted of the same crime in different jurisdictions can end up with very different sentence lengths. This creates disparate outcomes for individuals, victims, and everyone involved in the criminal justice system.

When studying the sentencing laws we currently have on the books, we find that there is little consistency. Some non-violent crimes have potentially longer sentences than some violent crimes. Conversely, similar crimes often get different sentence lengths, and there doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason to how the laws work together. This adds to the confusion within the criminal justice system that contributes to the disparity in sentence lengths between jurisdictions.

Let’s not forget that in each legislative session, there are calls to change sentences for one crime or another. This results in complicated time calculations that rob victims and their families, taxpayers, and everyone in the system of the transparency and clarity they deserve. Additionally, this makes it difficult for all involved to know when the incarcerated individual will be released or eligible for release for proper victim notification, as well as for appropriate reentry services to be arranged.

To lower the crime rate, Louisiana needs a more holistic approach to reforming the state’s sentencing laws. Smart on Crime is studying the tangled web of laws that make up the sentencing statutes and will recommend a broad-based, consistent, proven set of policies to address the problem. Comprehensive reform of the sentencing structure is better than the whack-a-mole approach we’ve undertaken in the past. Louisiana needs a more consistent, transparent, and logical sentencing structure that will fairly punish offenders and make the system work better for everyone involved.