Most Louisiana citizens know that criminal offenses are classified into two groups: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor offenses carry relatively minor penalties and felony offenses bring harsher penalties for those who are convicted. Convicted felons are subject to even harsher penalties if they are later convicted of other felony crimes. Under state law, crimes involving sexual assault and minors are considered to be especially serious.
In Kenner, two female teachers, ages 24 and 32, were recently arrested for alleged sexual contact with a 16-year-old boy, who was identified as one of their students. According to the Kenner Police Department, authorities were alerted to the alleged crimes after the student bragged to fellow students about his alleged sexual relationship with the two women. The juvenile told police the relationship was consensual and did not involve coercion. The alleged crime is thought to have occurred in mid-September in a house owned by one of the teachers. Police are currently examining cellphones for video evidence of the encounter. The pair now faces felony charges of having carnal knowledge of a minor and indecent behavior. The boy is now 17, the age of consent in Louisiana, although state law forbids teachers from having sexual contact with students under age 20.
People who do not take felony charges seriously are at risk of life-altering consequences if they are convicted. An accused person should exercise his or her rights to a strong criminal defense. The goal of any criminal defense should be to get the best outcome for the defendant, whether that means negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or aggressively rebutting the criminal charges in court.
Any reader who faces similar issues should explore his or her legal options with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A legal professional can help craft a defense based on the accused person’s unique situation.
Source: WDSU 6 News, “Two Destrehan teachers facing felony charges for alleged sexual relationship with student,” Travers Mackel, Oct. 2, 2014
