SB81

Louisiana SB81 allows a defendant in a noncapital felony case to waive a jury trial at any time before trial with written consent from the.

Louisiana SB81 modifies the current law to allow a defendant in a noncapital felony case to waive their right to a jury trial at any time before the trial commences, provided they obtain written consent from the prosecuting authority. Currently, defendants can only waive their right to a jury trial up to 45 days before the trial starts. This change will only take effect if a proposed constitutional amendment, originating as Senate Bill No. ____ of the 2026 Regular Session, is adopted at a statewide election.