Washington, Louisiana, Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets in Washington, Louisiana, are a common legal consequence for drivers who exceed the posted speed limits. This small town, nestled in St. Tammany Parish, enforces traffic regulations to maintain safety on its roads and highways. Though the officer is “just doing their job,” it can be a major inconvenience if you are the one who has been handed a ticket.

 

 

Consequences of Exceeding Speed Limits in Washington

Exceeding speed limits in Washington, Louisiana, has several consequences that can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the specific circumstances involved. Some of the potential consequences include:

• Court Appearance: For certain offenses, particularly those involving excessive speeding or repeated violations, a driver may be required to appear in court. This can lead to additional legal costs and potential penalties imposed by the judge.
• Fines and Penalties: When caught speeding, drivers face monetary fines that can vary based on how much they exceed the speed limit. The fines can escalate for more severe infractions (e.g., exceeding the speed limit by a significant amount).
• Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance companies may view speeding violations as indicators of risky behavior. As a result, a driver receiving a speeding ticket can have significantly increased car insurance rates. In Louisiana, an insurance premium could increase by an average of 12% for going 15-29 mph over the limit and by 15% for 30 mph over the limit. [1]
• License Suspension: In cases of excessive speeding (often categorized as reckless driving), a driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. The duration depends on the severity of the offense and any prior violations.
• Traffic School: Depending on the speed limit exceeded and the driver’s record, the court may require attendance at traffic school. Successfully completing a course may sometimes result in reduced fines.

 

Common Types of Speeding Violations in Washington

In Washington, Louisiana, speeding violations can be categorized into several common types, each with its specific characteristics and potential consequences. Some of the most common types of speeding violations include:

• Basic Speeding Violation: This occurs when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit on a street or highway. The enforcement may vary for different types of roadways, such as residential streets, urban areas, or rural highways.
• Driving Too Fast for Conditions: This violation applies if a driver is traveling at a speed that is inappropriate for road conditions, even if they are within the posted speed limit. Factors influencing this include weather, visibility, and road conditions.
• Exceeding the Speed Limit in a School Zone: Speeding in designated school zones is considered a serious infraction, often subject to stricter penalties. School zones typically have reduced speed limits during certain hours when children are arriving or leaving school.
• Excessive Speeding: This may involve driving significantly over the speed limit (for example, 20 mph or more) and could lead to more severe consequences, such as increased fines, or even arrest in extreme cases.
• Reckless Driving: While not strictly a speeding violation, driving at excessive speeds (often defined as 15 mph or more over the limit) can be classified as reckless driving if it demonstrates a willful disregard for the safety of others.
• Speeding in Construction Zones: Special speed limits are often posted in active construction zones. Exceeding these limits can result in heavier fines and penalties due to the increased risk to workers and drivers.

 

 

Hiring Our Speeding Ticket Lawyers in Washington, Louisiana

If you find yourself facing a speeding ticket in Washington, Louisiana, hiring our experienced speeding ticket lawyer can be key in navigating the complexities of traffic laws and mitigating the potential consequences. Some ways our skilled legal team can help you include:

• Assessing Your Situation: Our experienced speeding ticket attorney can analyze the details of your case and determine if you have valid defenses (e.g., speedometer inaccuracies, necessity, road conditions) that could help reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Identifying Errors: Our traffic ticket lawyers will look for procedural errors (such as improper calibration of speed detection devices) that may benefit your case.
• Knowledge of Local Courts: Our speeding ticket lawyers are familiar with the local court system can navigate the processes more efficiently, understanding the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors.
• Preserving Insurance Rates: Keeping your record clean can prevent insurance premiums from increasing due to traffic violations.
• Reduced Fines and Penalties: We can often negotiate lower fines or alternative penalties, such as defensive driving courses, which can help protect your driving record.
• Reduced Stress: Handling legal matters can be stressful. Having a speeding ticket lawyer ensures that you have professional representation, alleviating some of the burden from your shoulders.
• Trial Experience: If your case needs to go to court, we will attend court on your behalf. We will represent you effectively, presenting evidence and arguments that can lead to a favorable verdict.
• Understanding of Traffic Laws: Our speeding ticket lawyers are well-versed in Louisiana traffic laws and regulations. We can provide insights into how the law applies to your specific situation.

 

Repercussions of Not Paying Speeding Tickets in Washington, Louisiana

In Washington, Louisiana, failing to pay speeding tickets can lead to a range of legal and financial consequences. Some of the potential repercussions may include:

• Collections: Unpaid fines may be turned over to a collections agency, which can affect your credit score and lead to additional collection fees.
• Court Order: If a ticket is not paid, the offender may receive a court order, requiring them to appear in court to address the unpaid ticket.
• Difficulty Renewing License or Registration: When trying to renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration, outstanding tickets may prevent you from completing the process until all fines are resolved.
• Increased Fines: The initial fine for a speeding ticket can increase if it remains unpaid. Courts often add late fees or penalties for overdue fines.
• Increased Insurance Rates: A failure to pay tickets may lead to increased car insurance premiums. Insurance companies may view unpaid tickets as high-risk behavior.
• License Suspension: Continued failure to pay fines can lead to the suspension of the driver’s license. In Louisiana, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your driving privileges if there are outstanding fines or tickets.
• Potential for Jail Time: In certain circumstances, particularly with repeated violations or failure to appear in court, a judge may impose a short jail sentence as a punitive measure.
• Warrants: In some cases, failing to respond to a summons or repeatedly ignoring payment could result in the issuance of a bench warrant for the individual’s arrest.

 

 

Contact Our Experienced Speeding Tickets in Washington, Lousiana Today

If you find yourself facing a speeding ticket in Washington, Louisiana, Our experienced speeding ticket attorneys at Louisiana Speeding Ticket are here to guide you through every step of the process. We can review your case in detail, help you understand the implications of a speeding violation on your driving record, insurance rates, and overall legal standing, and work diligently to seek a favorable resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Don’t let a speeding ticket complicate your personal or professional life. Contact our dedicated team of speeding ticket attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your options. Text your ticket today or fill out the online form, and let us help protect your rights and your driving privileges.

 

Source:

[1] How a Speeding Ticket Impacts Your Insurance in Louisiana. (n.d.). Autoinsurance.com. https://www.autoinsurance.com/states/louisiana/how-speeding-ticket-impacts-insurance/