Long story short, I got in a fender bender today in Lafayette. Light turned green, car took off, car abruptly stopped, I gave her a little love tap. I ended up with a ticket for careless operation with a wreck. Is there anything I can do to keep it off of my record? The last ticket I got was 4 years ago and was for an expired inspection tag. I'd like to keep any moving violations off of my record if possible.
Traffic citation question?
- Thread starter Pas Tout La
- Start date
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Do I contact the DA about this?
Contact the DAs office in the parish you received the citation and they might be able to work with you.
I wouldn't use an Article 894 for something so minor. That's a silver bullet better served for DWI, etc.
Or just don't be an a$$ hole and drive drunk. File 894. 893 is for more serious offenses.
Well I don't know his drinking situation. I don't drink. I just think it's still a very minor offense to use it. And once you use it, it's gone for a few years. Of course he's free to do whatever he wants.
I don't drink and drive period. I agree this may be a petty issue to use it on, but I really don't intend on any legal issues more serious than this in the foreseeable future. I will see if I can have the charges lowered to a non moving violation first. If not, then I'll try the 894 route.
Article 894 is for misdemeanors, 893 is for felonys. The OP said the last ticket he got was 4 years ago... if he keeps up his long-term violation ratio and pushed it to 5 years, he's good to use 894 again when he has another violation. Use the 894... just remember, it won't negate your responsibility to the other driver involved for any liable damages (medical or property) following the accident.
Unfortunately 893 is advertised and utilized primarily for DWI's... however, it is for any felony (I would assume aside from violent criminal offenses). It's a "get out of jail free card" to some.
To put it simply.
Unfortunately 893 is advertised and utilized primarily for DWI's... however, it is for any felony (I would assume aside from violent criminal offenses). It's a "get out of jail free card" to some.
To put it simply.
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You sure it isn't going to go on your record anyway with the insurance company? The person you tapped is filing a claim correct? If so, ask your insurance company first before going out of your way for it.
If you have Allstate, take the amount of her damage/3 and this will be your rate increase for the next 3 years.
As far as the citation, make it a tiered approach.
Appear in court. I have never seen a traffic court where the first couple of hours wasn't spent playing let's make a deal, because really, what judge wants to try a traffic case?
If the ass tapped party doesn't show, you are probably good to go. If she does, switch to hey can I work a plea deal and keep this off my record mode.
I don't know lafayette judges, but in my area a lot of them will confirm that parties involved are satisfied with the civil outcome of the crash and then just chuck the ticket.
As far as the citation, make it a tiered approach.
Appear in court. I have never seen a traffic court where the first couple of hours wasn't spent playing let's make a deal, because really, what judge wants to try a traffic case?
If the ass tapped party doesn't show, you are probably good to go. If she does, switch to hey can I work a plea deal and keep this off my record mode.
I don't know lafayette judges, but in my area a lot of them will confirm that parties involved are satisfied with the civil outcome of the crash and then just chuck the ticket.
Nope.
I was told by a LSP Trooper this weekend, "Lafayette is a whole different ball game."
