The Louisiana Court of Appeal has affirmed the conviction of Rodrick Raymond Hicks for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court ruled on July 15, 2026, that Hicks' actions warranted a 20-year prison sentence. This decision impacts Hicks and reinforces the legal consequences for felons found in possession of firearms.
The case began when Hicks was charged with possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon as a convicted felon. The state alleged that on May 14, 2024, Hicks unlawfully possessed a Glock 19 firearm after having been previously convicted of illegal use of weapons. Hicks pleaded not guilty, leading to a jury trial that commenced on March 27, 2025.
During the trial, Lieutenant Steve McKenna of the Shreveport Police Department testified that officers responded to a complaint about juveniles with firearms at a residence where Hicks was present. Upon entering the home, officers found marijuana and a digital scale. After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered a Glock 19 firearm hidden under a mattress. Hicks initially claimed the firearm was fake but later admitted knowing it was there.
Additional testimony revealed that the Glock was indeed a functioning firearm. The trial included evidence of Hicks' prior criminal history, which included a conviction for illegal use of weapons in 2016. Despite his defense, the jury found Hicks guilty as charged.
On October 8, 2025, the trial court sentenced Hicks to 20 years at hard labor without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. The court noted that Hicks had a significant criminal history and had fled during the trial, demonstrating a disregard for the law.
In his appeal, Hicks raised two main arguments. First, he contended that his absence from the trial should not have been interpreted as a waiver of his right to testify. He argued that the trial court erred by not conducting a colloquy to confirm his decision to waive this right. The court ruled that Hicks' voluntary absence constituted a waiver of his right to testify, stating, "Defendant voluntarily absented himself after hearing the trial court and his counsel agree that the colloquy regarding whether he would testify would be conducted following a recess."
Secondly, Hicks argued that his sentence was excessive. He claimed the trial court failed to consider mitigating factors such as the lack of violence or injury involved in the offense. The court, however, found that the trial judge had properly weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors, emphasizing Hicks' criminal history and his actions during the trial.
The court concluded that the sentence was not grossly out of proportion to the seriousness of the offense. The ruling stated, "The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it imposed the maximum 20-year sentence."
This ruling has significant implications for individuals with felony convictions. It reinforces the legal principle that felons found in possession of firearms face serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. The decision also highlights the importance of a defendant's presence during trial proceedings and the potential ramifications of voluntary absence.
Moving forward, Hicks has the option to appeal the ruling further, although details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. The case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities of convicted felons and the judicial system's commitment to upholding laws regarding firearm possession.