Louisiana § RS 14:40.1 - Terrorizing; menacing
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:40.1 — Terrorizing; menacing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 14:40.1. Terrorizing; menacing
A.(1) Terrorizing is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety; or causing evacuation of a building, a public structure, or a facility of transportation; or causing other serious disruption to the general public.
(2) Whoever commits the offense of terrorizing shall be fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than fifteen years, or both.
B.(1) Menacing is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence, as defined in R.S. 14:2(B), is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, when committed under any of the following circumstances:
(a) The actions of the offender cause members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety, and a reasonable person would have known that such actions could cause such sustained fear.
(b) The actions of the offender cause the evacuation of a building, a public structure, or a facility of transportation, and a reasonable person would have known that such actions could cause an evacuation.
(c) The actions of the offender cause any other serious disruption to the general public, and a reasonable person would have known that such actions could cause serious disruption to the general public.
(2) Whoever commits the offense of menacing shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than two years, or both.
C. It shall be an affirmative defense that the person communicating the information provided for in Subsection A or B of this Section was not involved in the commission of a crime of violence or creation of a circumstance dangerous to human life and reasonably believed his actions were necessary to protect the welfare of the public.
Acts 1985, No. 191, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1318, §2, eff. July 15, 1997; Acts 2001, No. 1112, §1; Acts 2008, No. 451, §2, eff. June 25, 2008; Acts 2022, No. 493, §1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:40.1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:40.1 cover?
Section RS 14:40.1 ("Terrorizing; menacing") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 14:40.1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:40.1" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 14:40.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.