Rep Royce Duplessis (D) New Orleans
The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial.
“We are entitled to the presumption of innocence by publishing a mugshot it undermines that,” said Duplessis.
Duplessis has a few exceptions to his legislation if the person is a fugitive or police determine the individual is an imminent threat. But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews is concerned the banning of mug shots will have a negative impact on public safety.
“Suppose someone is accused of being a child molester and it just happens to be your neighbor, maybe it’s two doors now, so you don’t know their name, but you would recognize them personally,” said Crews.
But Duplessis says the release of a mug shot before a conviction can cause irreversible harm to a person, especially if the criminal charges are dropped.
“They were wrongfully arrested for something now that person can’t get a job and now that a person is having trouble in their personal life,” said Duplessis.
The measure passed on a 75-21 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.
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