§ 13:17. Mistake of law.

Ignorance of the provisions of this title or of any criminal statute is not a defense to any criminal prosecution. However, mistake of law which results in the lack of an intention that consequences which are criminal shall follow, is a defense to a criminal prosecution under the following circumstances:

(1)

Where the offender reasonably relied on the act of the legislation in repealing an existing criminal provision, or in otherwise purporting to make the offender's conduct lawful; or

(2)

Where the offender reasonably relied on a final judgment of a competent court of last resort that a provision making the conduct in question criminal was unconstitutional.

State law reference

Similar provisions, R.S. 14:17.