Got a Speeding Ticket in St. Bernard Parish? Here's What to Do
Got a speeding ticket in St. Bernard Parish? Before you pay it, make sure you understand your options. Paying a traffic ticket may seem like the easiest way to put it behind you, but it can have consequences that last longer than the fine itself.
Whether you were pulled over on Judge Perez Drive, I-510, or another road in St. Bernard Parish, a speeding conviction can affect your driving record and potentially increase your car insurance premiums.
Louisiana doesn't use a traditional driver's license points system, but traffic convictions still matter. And if you drive for work or hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the consequences can be particularly serious.
The good news is that you may have options beyond simply paying the ticket. Here's what you need to know.
What Happens When You Get a Speeding Ticket in St. Bernard Parish?
When an officer issues a speeding ticket, the citation typically identifies the alleged violation, the court handling the case, and the deadline for responding.
Your first responsibility is to make sure you understand those instructions.
If you're pulled over for speeding:
Pull over somewhere safe and remain in your vehicle unless directed otherwise.
Keep your hands visible and follow the officer's instructions.
Be courteous, even if you disagree with the ticket.
Avoid arguing about the alleged violation during the stop.
Read the citation carefully and keep a copy for your records.
You are not required to volunteer an admission that you were speeding. If an officer asks how fast you were traveling, avoid guessing or making statements you aren't certain about.
Signing a traffic citation is not the same as pleading guilty. In ordinary citation procedures, your signature acknowledges a promise to appear or otherwise respond as required.
The time to challenge the ticket is through the appropriate legal process, not during a roadside argument.
Should You Just Pay Your Speeding Ticket?
It's tempting to pay the fine and move on, especially when taking time off work to go to court sounds like more trouble than it's worth.
But paying an eligible speeding ticket without contesting it generally constitutes a guilty plea.
The resulting conviction is reported to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and may become part of your driving record.
That can create consequences beyond the original fine, including:
Higher auto insurance premiums
A traffic conviction on your driving record
Potential employment consequences for professional drivers
Additional complications if you have previous traffic violations
Louisiana does not assign driver's license points the way some other states do. However, insurance companies can still consider your driving history when determining premiums.
Before paying a speeding ticket in St. Bernard Parish, consider whether the convenience of resolving it immediately outweighs the potential long-term costs.
Three Options for Handling a St. Bernard Parish Speeding Ticket
Depending on the violation and circumstances, you generally have three possible approaches.
1. Pay the Speeding Ticket
If your citation is eligible for payment without a mandatory court appearance, you may be able to resolve it by paying the fine and applicable costs.
This is usually the simplest option, but it generally means accepting a conviction for the cited offense.
Not all traffic violations qualify for payment without appearing in court. Check the instructions on your citation before deciding how to proceed.
2. Contest the Speeding Ticket in Court
If you believe the citation was issued incorrectly, you can challenge it through the court process.
The prosecution must establish that you committed the charged violation. Depending on the circumstances, relevant issues may include:
Whether the officer accurately identified your vehicle
How your speed was measured
Whether the speed-measuring equipment was functioning properly
The officer's observations and training
Road conditions and applicable speed limits
Not every speeding ticket has a viable defense. However, errors in evidence or disputed facts may provide grounds to challenge a citation.
3. Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer to Negotiate
In some cases, a traffic ticket attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor for a more favorable resolution.
Depending on the circumstances and the options available, this could involve reducing or amending the charge to a non-moving violation.
An amended charge may help avoid some consequences associated with a speeding conviction, although the effect on your driving record and insurance depends on the final disposition and applicable reporting rules.
You may still be responsible for fines, court costs, and attorney fees.
In some traffic cases, an attorney can also appear on your behalf, potentially saving you a trip to court. Whether your personal attendance is required depends on the charge and court procedures.
There is no guaranteed outcome, but understanding your options before entering a plea can make a significant difference.
Can a Speeding Ticket Increase Your Insurance in Louisiana?
Yes. A speeding conviction can lead to higher auto insurance premiums, even though Louisiana doesn't use a traditional points system.
Insurers consider driving history when assessing risk. A moving violation may affect the rate you pay at future policy renewals.
The amount of any increase depends on factors such as your insurance company, prior driving record, the nature of the violation, and applicable rating rules.
That's why the cost of a speeding ticket isn't always limited to the amount printed on the citation.
In some situations, negotiating an amended charge may help limit the effect on your insurance. However, no attorney can guarantee how an insurance company will treat a particular disposition.
What Happens If You Miss Your Traffic Court Date?
Ignoring a speeding ticket is one of the easiest ways to turn a manageable situation into a more serious problem.
If you fail to appear in court or otherwise respond as required, the court may report the failure to appear to Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles.
Under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:57.1, the OMV provides notice of a potential license suspension and an opportunity to resolve the matter within the applicable statutory period.
Failing to address the citation after receiving notice can result in:
Suspension of your driver's license
Additional costs or reinstatement fees
Further court proceedings
A possible warrant, depending on the circumstances
If your license has already been suspended because of an unresolved ticket, you may need to obtain documentation from the court and satisfy OMV reinstatement requirements before your driving privileges are restored.
If you cannot attend your scheduled court date, contact the court or an attorney before the deadline. Do not assume that missing court will automatically result in another opportunity to appear.
When Should You Hire a St. Bernard Parish Traffic Ticket Lawyer?
Not every speeding ticket requires legal representation. For a minor violation, paying the fine may be a reasonable decision after you understand the consequences.
However, speaking with an attorney may be especially worthwhile if:
You were cited for traveling significantly over the speed limit.
You already have traffic violations on your driving record.
You hold a commercial driver's license.
Your employment depends on maintaining a clean driving record.
Your speeding citation involves an accident or additional charges.
You believe the officer made a mistake.
You have missed a court date or received a license suspension notice.
An attorney familiar with St. Bernard Parish traffic cases can review your citation, explain the available options, and help you decide whether to contest the charge or pursue a negotiated resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speeding Tickets in St. Bernard Parish
Does paying a speeding ticket mean pleading guilty in Louisiana?
Generally, yes. Paying an eligible speeding ticket without contesting it is ordinarily treated as a guilty plea. The conviction may be reported to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and reflected on your driving record.
Can I get a speeding ticket reduced in St. Bernard Parish?
Possibly. Depending on the violation, your driving history, and the prosecutor's discretion, an attorney may be able to negotiate an amended charge or another favorable resolution. Reductions are not guaranteed.
Will a speeding ticket affect my car insurance?
It can. Insurance companies may consider speeding convictions when setting premiums. The effect varies depending on your insurer, driving history, and other factors.
Do I have to appear in court for a speeding ticket?
Not always. Some citations can be resolved without a court appearance, and an attorney may be able to appear on your behalf in certain cases. Other charges require you to attend personally. Follow the instructions on your citation or confirm the requirements with the court.
What if I missed my court date for a speeding ticket?
Contact the court or a traffic ticket attorney promptly. A failure to appear can lead to additional penalties and potentially a driver's license suspension if the matter remains unresolved.
Need Help With a Speeding Ticket in St. Bernard Parish?
A speeding ticket may seem like a small inconvenience, but paying it without understanding the consequences could cost you more than you expect.
If you've received a speeding ticket in St. Bernard Parish, contact my office before deciding how to handle it.
I'll review your citation, explain your options, and give you a straightforward assessment of whether it makes sense to contest the ticket, seek a negotiated resolution, or simply pay the fine.
McLaren Law Firm LLC
2203 Pakenham Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: 504-300-8338
Website: mclarenlawfirm.com
This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.