Bernard Noble, a New Orleans family man and father of seven, was arrested in 2010 while riding a bicycle in the city during a family visit, with police finding about three grams of marijuana, roughly two joints, in his possession.[1] Charged that November with fourth-offence possession, he was convicted by a jury in May 2011; earlier small-quantity cocaine and marijuana convictions made him eligible for Louisiana’s habitual-offender law.[2][1]
Thirteen years and four months
The trial court first sentenced Noble to five years in 2011, twice departing downward from the mandatory minimum, and in December 2011 resentenced him to five years as a third felony offender with no parole, probation or suspended sentence.[2] Prosecutors appealed, and on 19 April 2013 the Louisiana Supreme Court restored the legislature’s 160-month habitual-offender minimum and sent the case back.[2][3] On 7 May 2013 the court resentenced Noble to 13 years and four months in prison.[2] The appeal court affirmed that sentence in February 2014 and the state supreme court refused further review that November.[2]
A symbol, then release
Two district judges had tried to hold the sentence at five years, citing Noble’s work record, his support for seven children and his lack of a violent record, but District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro opposed leniency and prevailed.[1][3] The case drew national coverage, a 75,000-signature clemency petition by Noble’s mother and a 2015 commutation bid that Governor Bobby Jindal’s office denied under a rule requiring ten years served.[1][3] After lawmakers cut the fourth-conviction maximum to eight years, the district attorney’s office agreed to a reduction, and Noble was resentenced to eight years in December 2016 with credit for time served.[2][1] He walked out of Bossier Parish prison on parole on 12 April 2018 after seven years inside.[1]
