Why You Should Hire a Louisiana Traffic Attorney if Charged with Reckless Operation in New Orleans

If you have been charged with reckless operation in New Orleans, it can be a daunting experience, and one that could have serious consequences. Reckless operation is defined in Louisiana as operating a motor vehicle in a criminally negligent or reckless manner which endangers the safety of others. On your traffic ticket, it may say ROMV which means reckless operation of a motor vehicle. If you are found guilty of reckless operation, you could face fines, a black mark on your driving record, and possibly even jail time. Also, your insurance rates could go way up. This is why it is crucial to hire a Louisiana traffic attorney to help you with your reckless operation citation.

How a Louisiana Traffic Attorney Can Help

A Louisiana traffic attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, provide you with legal advice, and represent you in court. They have the experience and knowledge to help you understand the charges against you, the potential consequences you could face, and the best defenses to use to fight the charges.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a Louisiana traffic attorney is that they can negotiate on your behalf with the prosecutor. They can work to have your charges reduced or dismissed, depending on the circumstances of your case. They can also potentially negotiate a plea bargain that could result in a lesser sentence if you plead guilty to a different charge. This is usually called an amended charge.

Another benefit of hiring a Louisiana traffic attorney is that they can help you protect your driving privileges. If you are found guilty of reckless operation, you could face a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. An attorney can help you fight to keep your license, or at least limit the amount of time your license is suspended.

Louisiana Revised Statutes for Reckless Operation

The Louisiana Revised Statutes define reckless operation as “driving any vehicle in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person.” (LSA-R.S. 14:99) This includes not only driving erratically or without due caution, but also driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reckless operation is a misdemeanor offense and carries a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, the penalty increases to a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

New Orleans Municipal Code for Reckless Operation

The New Orleans Municipal Code prohibits reckless operation of a vehicle within the city limits. It establishes that reckless operation is driving in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The penalty for reckless operation within the city is a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 10 days for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, the penalty increases to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.