How to fight your traffic ticket in Louisiana

There are many different ways to fight your traffic ticket in Louisiana courts. First I would suggest hiring a traffic lawyer to help you in this battle. I am an experienced traffic lawyer that can help you increase your chances. The worst thing you can do is to pay the ticket before going to court. That is the same as pleading guilty and will have a negative effect on your driving record and possibly cause your insurance rates to increase.

The arraignment date is the first setting for your traffic ticket. This date is usually at the bottom of your ticket. This is when you go to court and either plead guilty or not guilty. In some jurisdictions you will be able to speak with the district attorney on the arraignment day but in most you will plead not guilty and be given a trial date. Another good reason to hire a traffic lawyer is that we will either go to the arraignment for you or file motions to waive it. For most traffic violations your attorney can waive your presence and go for you.

Call me today for a free consultation – (504) 547-7776

After your arraignment date you will be required to go to your trial date. Now you will get a chance to have a conversation with the district attorney about your case. Occasionally the district attorney will offer a reduced charge for your guilty plea. The problem is that if you do not know the law or the possible options it gives the district attorney and extreme advantage in the negotiating process.

If you can work something out with the district attorney then the case will be over after you plead guilty. You will be required to pay a fine or have some other requirement from the court. Hopefully your case would be reduced or dismissed. If not you will have your trial. In many courts you will be given a third court date for the actual trial. Then you would be required to come to court a third time to show your evidence and plead your case.

There are some things to keep in mind when you are in this process. Did you commit the actual offense? What are you really trying to achieve? Having a traffic attorney will help you clear the air and understand the options.

Breakdown of the procedure for most Louisiana traffic courts:

  • You receive the traffic ticket
  • You go to court on the date that is listed on the ticket (Arraignment date). Most courts you will plead not guilty and get a new trial date.
  • You go to court on your trial date and can negotiate with the district attorney to reduce or dismiss your ticket. If not you will have a trial on that date or you will be scheduled a new trial date for the actual trial in front of the judge.
  • You go to court on the trial date and have your trial.
  • If you hire a traffic lawyer you will not need to go to court and your matter will be resolved for you. Call me today at (504) 547-7776 for a free consultation of your case.