Louisiana good time and sentence credit rules
For felonies committed on or after Aug 1, 2024, Louisiana good time is capped at 15% of the sentence. Earlier offenses use the older, higher rates in R.S. 15:571.3.[1][2]
Sources last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:23 AM MT. Last automated check of the official pages: Oct 17, 2026, 5:18 AM MT. This explains current law. It does not calculate anyone's date.
Credit types and rates
- Crimes on or after Aug 1, 2024: felony prisoners may earn good time for good behavior up to 15% of the sentence imposed.[1]
- They may earn more credit for programs under R.S. 15:828 (except people convicted of sex offenses).[1]
- Earlier crimes: R.S. 15:571.3 sets rates. Most DOC felony prisoners earn 13 days for every 7 days in custody. Different rates and exclusions apply for crimes of violence, repeat offenses and sex offenses.[2]
Exclusions and limits
Parole eligibility vs. discharge
- People released early on good time are supervised as if on parole until the full term ends (R.S. 15:571.5).[1]
How to find a release date
- Search the official Louisiana VINELink offender search by name or ID number.
- Look for the projected release, parole eligibility, or discharge date. The DOC record already includes credits it has awarded.
- For questions, contact the facility records office. Only DOC can correct a date.
New laws and bills
Not yet verified We have not yet verified whether sentence-credit legislation is active here. (tracker checked Oct 17, 2026)
FAQ
What changed in Louisiana good time in 2024?
For crimes committed on or after Aug 1, 2024, good time is capped at 15% of the sentence, and sex offenses and habitual offender sentences are excluded (R.S. 15:571.3.1).
Is someone released on good time supervised in Louisiana?
Yes. They are supervised as if on parole until the full term ends.
What this site can't do
| Issue | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Discipline and lost credits | We cannot see write-ups, forfeitures or restored credits. Only the facility record shows them. |
| Detainers and holds | Warrants, immigration holds or other-state detainers can block release. They are not in public data. |
| Consecutive and concurrent sentences | How sentences stack changes every date. We do not recompute aggregated sentences. |
| Parole board discretion | Eligibility is not release. Boards decide, and can deny or defer. |
| Jail credit errors | Pretrial credit is set by the court. Errors must be fixed through the court or records office. |
| Recent law changes | New laws, court rulings and DOC policy changes can take weeks to reach records. |
| Individual legal advice | We explain public rules. A lawyer or the DOC records office can apply them to one case. |
Always confirm dates with the official DOC records office.
Sources
- La. R.S. 15:571.3.1 (good time for crimes on or after Aug 1, 2024)
- La. R.S. 15:571.3 (diminution of sentence, earlier crimes)
Official statute, regulation, or agency pages only. Last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:23 AM MT. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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