Books from the Law Library:
The Law and Policy of Sentencing and Corrections in a Nutshell by Lynn S. Branham
10th Edition published by West Academic in 2017. View publisher page for more information.
The Rights of the Convicted: Ensuring Legal and Humanitarian Treatment without Compromising Justice by Cliff Roberson
Published by Looseleaf Law Publications in 2017. View WorldCat record for more information.
The Returning Citizen's Survival Guide by Frank Patka
Published by Covenant Books in 2023. View publisher page for more information.
Online Resources and Referrals:
LADPS&C Reentry Initiatives and Transitional Work Programs: https://doc.louisiana.gov/imprisoned-person-programs-resources/transition-reentry/
Inside Out Network Helpful Tips: https://insideoutnetwork.net/help
Louisiana Law Help: louisianalawhelp.org/issues/criminal-law/criminal-records-1
Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana: https://www.jaclouisiana.org/, 4035 Washington Avenue, Suite 203, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, (504) 322-4050
National Reentry Resource Center: https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/
Louisiana Reentry Guide: www.lareentryguide.com
Voice of the Experienced: www.voiceoftheexperienced.org, 2022 St. Bernard Ave., Suite 307, New Orleans, LA 70117, 504-571-9599
The First 72+: www.first72plus.org, 2915 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70119, 504-324-8859
Mapping Your Future - A Guide to Successful Reentry (National Edition) by the Education Justice Project: www.educationjustice.net/reentry-guides/
Social Security Administration, What Prisoners Need to Know - guide to Social Security benefits during and after incarceration: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10133.pdf
Collateral Consequences
Full text of 2018 La. Acts No. 636 - restoration of voting rights: www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1103409
Resume digest explanation of new law for restoration of voting rights: www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1108911
Information on voting rights from Voice of the Experienced: www.voiceoftheexperienced.org/voting-rights
Restoration of Rights Project - Louisiana: ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/louisiana-restoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing
National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction: niccc.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/
Restoration of Voting Rights After Felony Convictions from the National Conference of State Legislatures: www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx
Second Chances in the Criminal Justice System: Alternatives to Incarceration and Reentry Strategies by the ABA Commission on Effective Criminal Sanctions (published by American Bar Association Publishing in 2007): https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/criminaljustice/secondchances.pdf
Driver's Licenses After Reentry
"How to Get a Driver's License When You Return Home From Prison" pamphlet, by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and the Access to Justice Commission Building Bridges Committee: files.lsba.org/documents/News/ATJ/PDLPamphlet.pdf
Louisiana Ex-Offender Provisional Driver's License Policy from the Office of Motor Vehicles: public.powerdms.com/ladpsc/documents/368419
The Law Library of Louisiana can provide you with assistance finding legal information. We are prohibited, however, from providing legal advice. If you are seeking advice for a legal issue, you may be able to find free or reduced cost legal help through the Louisiana State Bar Association.
If you are seeking copies of laws (such as cases or statutes) or secondary materials (such as law review articles or book chapters), please contact us at 400 Royal Street, 2nd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70130. We can provide these materials for a nominal charge. You must provide an exact citation in order for us to process your request.
You can view the Louisiana constitution, codes, and statutes for free online at legis.la.gov. Click on "Laws" and either enter a citation, search by keyword, or browse the Table of Contents.
You can view the federal constitution, codes, and statutes for free online at govinfo.gov. You can search by keyword or choose the specific law you wish to view under "Advanced."
You can view state and federal court cases for free online at scholar.google.com. Click on "Case Law" and enter your citation or case name.
"Louisiana Informational Handbook for Friends and Families of People in Prison" from the Department of Corrections: doc.louisiana.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/handbook4friends.familiesofinmates_9_11_19.pdf
If you can't find the law you are looking for or need further assistance, call us at 504-310-2400 or toll-free in Louisiana only at 800-820-3038 or email library@lasc.org.