LA SB152

Creates an affirmative defense for defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or human trafficking, allowing criminal conduct to be deemed justifiable if the defendant reasonably believed the perpetrator would inflict death, great bodily harm, or sexual assault if they did not commit the offense (excludes crimes of violence, sex offenses, and cruelty to juveniles)

Establishes reduced sentencing for qualifying defendants: life sentences reduced to 10-50 years, other sentences capped at half the maximum term (death sentences excluded from reduction)

Requires clear and convincing evidence showing the defendant was a victim, the victimization was a significant contributing factor to the offense, and there was a causal connection between the crime and the defendant's victimization

Allows defendants meeting the criteria to file motions to reconsider their sentences at any time before August 1, 2028, and permits qualified expert witnesses to testify on whether a defendant is a victim who committed the crime as a direct result of their victimization

Requires defendants to notify the district attorney in writing at least 45 days before trial if they intend to raise this defense; failure to provide notice waives the affirmative defense