Throughout the country, including Louisiana, people convicted of felonies face tough sentences, often including time in prison and substantial fines. Minor charges can become felony offenses if investigators find additional evidence that supports more serious charges. For this reason, those accused of crimes should determine quickly whether the alleged offenses are misdemeanors or felonies so they will know how to proceed with their defense.
A 37-year-old New Orleans man was recently charged with several felonies after he allegedly had sex with a male high school student and willfully exposed the victim to the HIV virus. Allegations against the suspect stemmed from a complaint brought by school authorities at the H. L. Bourgeois High School, where the defendant teaches. Gray is 45 miles southwest of New Orleans. The complaint alleges that the defendant, who has been employed at the high school for one year as a track coach, was involved in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student and track athlete. The defendant has been charged with one count of intentional exposure to the HIV virus and one count of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, both felonies carrying penalties of as much as 10 years in prison. The defendant has denied all charges.
Because the defendant is facing allegations that involve a minor, convictions could be particularly harsh and involve not only prison time but later registration as a sex offender. The defendant has every right to fight the charges and prove his innocence in a court trial. Failure to establish a strong defense can result in conviction.
In Louisiana, any person charged with a felony charge should consult a criminal defense attorney to know how to protect the person from the allegations, which often includes challenging evidence and establishing procedural errors on the part of investigators.
Source: Inquisitr.com, “Louisiana teacher allegedly had sex with male student, charged with intentionally exposing student to AIDS virus,” May 30, 2014
