How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Louisiana

When a person violates traffic laws in Louisiana, law enforcement officers are usually required to issue a traffic citation to the violator. The Louisiana Judiciary then receives notice of the charge and orders the violator to pay the applicable fines or contest the citation. The traffic citation may be issued on the spot or mailed to the individual as a court summon. The citation or traffic ticket may contain the violation, applicable statutes, the violator’s license number, violation date, and directions to resolve the ticket.

Alongside official custodians, third-party websites also maintain records of traffic violations and other public records. These websites enable convenient and expedited retrieval of public records since they host information aggregated from various geographic locations and can be accessed remotely. To use these databases, inquirers are usually required to furnish the search engine with:

• The name of the record holder, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location of the document and the violator
• The city, county, or state the person resides or was accused in.

Third-party sites operate independently of government sources and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Thus, record availability on third-party websites may vary.

Is it Worth it To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Louisiana?

It depends. Several factors influence an individual’s decision to fight a citation issued in Louisiana. If the citation involves or may result in serious charges, then the recipient may consider fighting the ticket. Under state and federal laws, every individual is well within their right to request a fair hearing. At the very least, the individual should consider the following factors before choosing to fight a traffic ticket:

• The merit of the case
• Knowledge of traffic laws and ordinances
• Attorney fees
• Insurance premiums
• Lost productivity due to court appearance

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Louisiana

The citation usually informs the recipient of the deadline to respond, i.e., pay the ticket or indicate the intention to contest. In some cases, however, the recipient may have the option to appear in court for a scheduled hearing. Whatever the case, there are three options to fight the ticket, each having unique pros and cons.

• Pro se: Self-representation or going pro se is one option for fighting a ticket in Louisiana. The option may be ideal for minor violations and most convenient for violators who have a strong defense but can’t afford an attorney’s services. Louisiana parish courts often provide guidelines and helpful resources for defendants who choose to go pro se.
• Hire an attorney: There is no substitute for years of legal training and experience with the nuances of arguing traffic cases in court. However, this is the more costly, but most suitable option for individuals charged with traffic misdemeanors or other serious charges.
• Service providers: This option is less expensive than hiring a personal attorney. Several entities offer a subscription-based model to resolve traffic tickets on clients’ behalf in Louisiana. For the most part, there may be no way to vet the lawyer who handles the case, and in some cases, terms and conditions in the fine print may render the client ineligible to receive legal aid–even after years of paying subscription fees.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Trial

Louisiana allows violators to fight traffic tickets via trial by written declaration. However, this option does not apply to every case; the individual may contact the court clerk to determine their eligibility. If eligible, the individual may have to complete a form issued by the court and submit the declaration for review. The issuing officer might also be notified of the violator’s decision to opt for trial by declaration and could be required to fill out a similar form.

Alternatively, arriving at a plea deal with the prosecutor allows the violator to fight the ticket without going to court. If successful, the prosecutor may reduce or downgrade the traffic violation to attract lighter sanctions like completing a safety education course, community service, or even reading a pamphlet on safe driving.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Louisiana?

When an individual enters a not guilty plea and intends to contest, they are usually required to request a mitigation hearing. Since Louisiana does not use a point system to assess traffic violations, reducing a traffic ticket is a product of the defendant’s ability to negotiate with the prosecutor before the trial or the judge during the trial. Louisiana may also allow eligible violators who cannot afford to pay a full fine to enroll in a payment plan.

Can you get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Louisiana?

While it is typically difficult to dismiss a speeding ticket in Louisiana, it is possible. Suffice it to say that an attorney is often indispensable in these circumstances. Their legal expertise is often useful for discovering evidence, finding witnesses, and taking action to dismiss the ticket.

More recently, Louisiana introduced the pretrial diversion program for traffic ticket recipients. This program is similar to dismissal, but the violator still pays the district attorney’s office to write off the ticket. The violation may not show up on the driver’s record, thus avoiding increased insurance premiums.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Louisiana?

Offenders who plead guilty to a traffic ticket in Louisiana may have to pay the ticket, bear any subsequent criminal and civil liability, and pay higher insurance premiums for years. Furthermore, the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) may revoke the driver’s license for as long as one (1) year. The individual may face socio-economic hardship, especially if the violator’s work involves driving. In addition, details of the offender’s crime may be included in their publicly available criminal record.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Louisiana

Considering the implications of a ticket or conviction for a traffic violation, hiring an experienced traffic attorney may be worth considering. Offenders may find Louisiana traffic ticket attornies by referrals from friends, family members, or other trusted sources.