Need help?

Find survivor resources and support.

Louisiana Strangulation Legislation

Predominant/Dominant Aggressor Law

LSA-R.S. 46:2140 (2008)


C.(1) When a law enforcement officer receives conflicting accounts of domestic abuse or dating violence, the officer shall evaluate each account separately to determine if one party was the predominant aggressor.

(2) In determining if one party is the predominant aggressor, the law enforcement officer may consider any other relevant factors, but shall consider the following factors based upon his or her observation:

(a) Evidence from complainants and other witnesses.

(b) The extent of personal injuries received by each person.

(c) Whether a person acted in self-defense.

(d) An imminent threat of future injury to any of the parties.

(e) Prior complaints of domestic abuse or dating violence, if that history can be reasonably ascertained by the officer.

(f) The future welfare of any minors who are present at the scene.

(g) The existence of a temporary restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, and 871.1. The officer shall presume that the predominant aggressor is the person against whom the order was issued.


Share