Receiving a speeding ticket is an unwelcome and frustrating experience for any driver. In Shreveport, Louisiana, where roadways can be as busy as they are beautiful, a speeding ticket can not only lead to fines but may also result in increased insurance rates and points on your driving record.
If you find yourself in this situation, all hope is not lost. With the right approach and some knowledge of the legal process, it’s possible to have your Shreveport speeding ticket dismissed.
Let’s discover these five valuable tips that can increase your chances of getting that unwelcome ticket off your record.
- Maintain the right behavior and speech
- Review your ticket carefully
- Challenge the ticket as soon as possible
- Attend traffic school
- Consider hiring a lawyer
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Shreveport, Louisiana, you might be wondering if there’s a way to have it dismissed. While there are no guarantees, there are steps you can take to improve your chances. Here are five tips for getting your Shreveport speeding ticket dismissed:
1. Maintain the Right Behavior and Speech
When you get pulled over for speeding, it’s important to remain calm and polite. Avoid arguing with the officer, making excuses, or admitting to speeding. Instead, be respectful and cooperative. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a good impression on the officer and increasing your chances of getting a ticket dismissed or reduced.
Here are some specific steps for maintaining the right behavior and speech when pulled over for speeding:
- Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible
- Keep your hands visible at all times
- Be polite and respectful when addressing the officer
- Avoid making excuses or arguing with the officer
- Do not admit to drinking or using drugs
- If you are asked to step out of the vehicle, do so slowly and carefully
- If you are asked to show your license and registration, do so promptly
- Do not ask the officer for leniency
2. Review Your Ticket Carefully
Getting a speeding ticket can be frustrating, but there may be ways to have it dismissed. One important step is to carefully review your ticket. By doing so, you can identify any errors or inconsistencies that may work in your favor. Here are some tips for reviewing your ticket:
Check for Accuracy: Make sure all the information on your ticket is correct, including your name, address, and vehicle details. Any mistakes in these details could potentially invalidate the ticket.
Verify the Violation: Take a close look at the alleged violation. Is the speed limit stated correctly? Were you speeding? If there are any discrepancies or doubts, it’s worth considering contesting the ticket.
Note the Officer’s Observations: The ticket should include the specific observations made by the officer, such as the method used to determine your speed. If these details are missing or vague, it could be grounds for dismissal.
Look for Options: On the back of the ticket, check for a section called “DA P.T.D.,” which stands for “District Attorney Pre-Trial Diversion.” This option allows you to mail in a money order to remove the “Moving Violation” infraction from your record and avoid court costs.
3. Challenge the Ticket As Soon As Possible
When it comes to challenging a speeding ticket in Shreveport, it is critical to act swiftly. Here are the steps you need to take to effectively challenge your ticket:
Gather Evidence: As soon as you receive your speeding ticket, start collecting evidence that may support your case. This could include photographs of the surrounding area, witness statements, or any other relevant information that may prove your innocence or cast doubt on the accuracy of the ticket.
File the Necessary Paperwork: To challenge your ticket, you will need to file the necessary paperwork with the Shreveport City Court. This typically involves submitting a written request for a court date and providing any supporting evidence.
4. Attend Traffic School
In Shreveport, Louisiana, one option to have a traffic ticket dismissed is to attend a traffic school or defensive driving course as part of a plea bargain. By completing a state-approved traffic school or defensive driving course, you may be able to have your ticket dismissed or have the violation reduced.
The course typically covers:
- Safe driving practices
- Traffic laws
- The importance of obeying road regulations
Upon successful completion, the certificate of completion is submitted to the court, and the judge may then dismiss the ticket. This option provides an opportunity for individuals to not only avoid the negative consequences of a traffic ticket but also to enhance their knowledge and skills to become safer drivers.
5. Consider Hiring a Lawyer
When it comes to dealing with a speeding ticket in Shreveport, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer can be a smart decision. Here are some reasons why:
Save Time and Money: Dealing with a speeding ticket can be time-consuming and costly. By hiring our skilled speeding ticket lawyers in Shreveport, you can save valuable time, as they will handle all the necessary paperwork, court appearances, and negotiations on your behalf. Our traffic ticket lawyers may be able to seek reductions in fines or even get your ticket dismissed, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Protect Your Rights: Our traffic ticket attorneys understand the intricacies of traffic law and can help protect your rights throughout the legal process. They will ensure that proper procedures were followed during your traffic stop and examine the evidence against you. If any rights were violated or errors were made, they can use this information to build a strong defense strategy.
Mitigate Accusations: We will negotiate with the prosecutor in order to reduce the charges or penalties against you and present your case in the best possible light, potentially leading to a favorable outcome.
Why is it Important to Try to Get Your Speeding Ticket Dismissed?
Getting your speeding ticket dismissed in Shreveport is key as it can help you avoid the potential consequences that come with it. Here are very strong reasons:
To avoid fines and fees – Speeding tickets can be expensive, with fines ranging from $100 to $500 or more. [1] In addition to the fine, there may also be court costs and other fees associated with the ticket.
To avoid higher insurance rates – Insurance companies view drivers with speeding tickets as a higher risk, and they may charge higher premiums.
To protect your driving record – Having a speeding ticket on your driving record can make it more difficult to get a job, especially if you are applying for a job that requires driving.
Contact our experienced traffic ticket lawyers in Shreveport today. We are always ready to assist with your speeding ticket case.
Source:
[1] The True Cost of Speeding Tickets and How to Avoid Them. (2019, May 6). Escort Radar US. https://www.escortradar.com/blogs/news/the-true-impact-of-speeding-tickets-how-to-avoid-them
