Rep Royce Duplessis (D) New Orleans
Governor Edwards signs into law a bill prohibiting public release of most booking photos – also called “mug shots” – prior to the subject’s conviction. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis is the bill’s author. He says the law – which goes into effect on August 1st – will only apply to mug shots of people booked with non-violent offenses.
“We want to honor the constitutional principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and mug shots are generally prejudicial; regardless of the outcome. Regardless if the person was released on mistaken identity, or if they’re ultimately found not guilty.” Duplessis says.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and some others, have already made policy prohibiting mug shots at the time of arrest. Duplessis says he brought the legislation because mug shots are hardly ever retracted if a person was found innocent, once they’ve been made public.
“It will ensure that people who are NOT convicted don’t have this mug shot following them around for the rest of their life, like a digital Scarlet Letter.”
Duplessis says his bill will apply only to those arrested for non-violent offenses, and publicizing a mug shot will be OK if the subject is a wanted fugitive, considered dangerous and/or a threat to public safety.
“We just trying to ensure that someone’s reputation or standing in the community isn’t unfairly harmed. That’s the goal, and that’s the balance we’re trying to strike.”
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