Louisiana § RS 15:33 - Confiscation and destruction of criminal instruments
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:33 — Confiscation and destruction of criminal instruments, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15:33. Confiscation and destruction of criminal instruments
A.(1) All law enforcement officers are hereby authorized to confiscate and dispose of any criminal instrument in accordance with the procedures provided for in R.S. 15:41.
(2) If the criminal instrument is a firearm, it shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 40:1798.
B. For purposes of this Section:
(1) "Criminal instrument" refers to anything specially designed, made, adapted for use, or actually used in the commission of an offense, regardless of whether the possession, manufacture, or sale of the thing itself is unlawful and shall be considered contraband for purposes of Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution of Louisiana.
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means any officer, as defined in R.S. 40:2402, and includes any constable, marshal, deputy marshal, sheriff, deputy sheriff, local or state police officer, commissioned wildlife enforcement agent, federal law enforcement officer, jail or prison guard, judge, attorney general, assistant attorney general, attorney general's investigator, inspector general, inspector general's investigator, district attorney, assistant district attorney, or district attorney's investigator.
C. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to criminal instruments which are not to be used as evidence, are no longer needed as evidence, or are no longer necessary for judicial proceedings.
Acts 2010, No. 363, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15:33
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:33 cover?
Section RS 15:33 ("Confiscation and destruction of criminal instruments") 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 15:33?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:33" (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 15:33 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.