Cherie, 

Cherry laurels (Prunus laurocerasus) are considered a broadleaf evergreen shrub. This makes them popular screening, deer-resistant and foundation plant in VA. Many different cultivars are available, including ‘Otto Luyken’ and ‘Schipkaensis’ (also referred to as "skip laurel"). See: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/cherry-laurel-identify-and-manage-problems/ 

When pruning also keep an eye out for prunicola scale.
The most frequently recommended time to "shape" your laurel is immediately after the new season's flowers have bloomed. In Loudoun we are seeing the flowering die back in late April early May. This time of year, pruning will stimulate new growth!
1. A good first step is to assess the plant and first remove any dead, diseased, or damaged / broken branches. 2. "Shearing" the top again is not recommended. Where you now have excessively long shoots (searching for sunlight) you can selectively go in to remove several older "greyer" shoots closer to the base. Targeting those branches that have the most signs of the browning leaf desiccation or stem breaks Take a good look at the interior of the plant. Loppers can be used to reach and remove any damaged interior branches.

2. Using clean sharp hand pruners selectively lightly prune the remaining top growth from your plant’s crown, keeping branches that have healthy leaf growth closer to the natural top line. Try to establish an 'A' shape, with the base slightly wider than the top to allow light to reach all sides. 

3. The side growth looks good in your photos. IF you decide to prune any side growth, always avoid cutting any leaf surfaces.

a. Choose outward-facing buds to encourage new growth to spread outward.
b. Angled your cuts about 0.25 inches above the healthy bud. Do not cut too close to the bud to avoid damaging it.
c. Position your cut at a 45-degree angle. Ensure the slope is angled away from the bud so that rainwater runs off the bud area. d. Avoid leaving a long "stub" above the bud, as a long stub will die back and can attract pests or disease.

Avoid pruning in the fall, which can trigger new growth that is then more prone to winter damage.

Wear gloves and protective clothing as the plant may cause skin irritation. Cherry laurels' small red fruits, when crushed or eaten, are toxic to humans and pets. Plan to bag all the pruned material for the landfill. After you prune, plan to deeply water the base of your laurel as Loudoun is again in a severe drought this spring. .

We hope this info is useful.  
-Becky

Cherie, 

See the following image to help identify location of crown pruning cuts.

You can directly contact the Loudoun He;p Desk if you have any follow up questions:  <personal data hidden>

Becky