Gretna Reckless Driving Lawyer
Charged with Reckless Operation on the West Bank? Here Is What You Need to Know.
Gretna is the seat of Jefferson Parish and home to the 24th Judicial District Court, the courthouse where reckless operation cases from across the Westbank are prosecuted. If you received a reckless driving citation in Gretna or anywhere on the Westbank, our attorneys defend RS 14:99 charges in Jefferson Parish and appears regularly before the judges and prosecutors who will handle your case. You can also visit our Jefferson Parish criminal defense page for a broader look at how he handles cases in this court.
Reckless operation is one of the most misunderstood charges in Louisiana traffic law. People assume it is a ticket. It is a criminal misdemeanor that goes on your permanent record, is logged as a conviction with the Louisiana OMV, and can result in jail time. The sooner you speak with a defense attorney, the more options you have.
What Louisiana Law Says About Reckless Operation
Louisiana RS 14:99 defines reckless operation as driving any motor vehicle in a criminally negligent or reckless manner. Officers look at the totality of what you were doing behind the wheel, not just your speed. Aggressive lane changes, excessive following distance, and ignoring signals can all support a reckless operation charge.
On the Westbank, reckless operation citations come in regularly on the Westbank Expressway, Manhattan Boulevard, and the Lapalco Boulevard corridor. These are high-speed roads with documented accident histories, and both Gretna Police and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol them closely. Officers can issue RS 14:99 citations based on witness reports, dash cam footage, or direct observation.
A detail worth knowing: three RS 14:99 convictions within any 12-month period trigger a license suspension under Louisiana DPS OMV Policy 14.00. Contesting a first charge can prevent that escalation.
One thing worth understanding: because this is a criminal charge, it moves through the court system differently from the civil traffic infractions covered on the Phillips Law traffic ticket page. You cannot resolve it online, and paying it is not a neutral act.
What a Reckless Driving Conviction Costs You in Jefferson Parish
Why This Charge Is Different from Civil Traffic Violations
Civil traffic infractions are administrative matters. Reckless operation is a criminal case. That single distinction has a ripple effect across your life:
-
Criminal record: A reckless operation conviction shows up on background checks, professional licensing reviews, and security clearance applications. Civil traffic fines do not.
-
Court appearance required: The 24th JDC in Gretna is where your case will be heard as a criminal matter. Having Bradley Phillips appear with you, or on your behalf, changes the dynamic of how the case moves through the system.
-
Charge reduction as a real strategy: Negotiating a reduction from reckless operation to careless operation is a recognized outcome in Jefferson Parish. Careless operation is a civil infraction with no criminal record consequence. Getting there requires an attorney who knows Jefferson Parish prosecutors personally.
-
Relationship to DWI: Reckless operation is sometimes charged alongside or instead of a DWI on the Westbank. Phillips Law handles Gretna DWI cases and can evaluate the full set of charges at once.
Phillips Law Approach to Gretna Reckless Operation Cases
Phillips Law practices in Jefferson Parish courts regularly and approaches RS 14:99 cases based on how the 24th JDC actually works, not just what the statute says.
-
Full review of the citation, officer narrative, and any dashcam or bodycam footage
-
Review of the traffic stop itself for constitutional issues
-
Assessment of whether the driving conduct actually meets the RS 14:99 criminal negligence standard
-
Early contact with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office to pursue dismissal or charge reduction
-
Representation at every 24th JDC court appearance, with attendance on your behalf when possible
Our Process
-
When you work with us, we guide you through every step of the process:
-
-
Initial Consultation: During your free consultation, we assess your case and discuss your options.
-
Case Review: We review all the evidence, including the traffic citation and any related documents.
-
Defense Strategy: We develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation, whether it involves challenging the evidence or negotiating for reduced penalties.
-
Court Representation: We represent you in traffic court, advocating on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
For more information about our law firm, visit our About Us page.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Many Gretna residents receive a reckless operation citation and assume they can pay it online the way they would a parking ticket. Reckless operation is not payable online as a civil fine, and even if payment were accepted, it would be a guilty plea to a criminal offense. A consultation with Bradley Phillips is free. The consequences of a conviction, on the other hand, follow you for years. Contact us to get started.
FAQs: Reckless Driving in Gretna
For more answers you questions, visit our FAQ: Traffic page.
Don’t Wait—Contact Us Today
Facing reckless driving charges in Gretna can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Phillips Law, our experienced Gretna reckless driving attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system and protect your driving privileges.
Don’t let a reckless driving charges negatively impact your life.
Call or text us at 504-434-7000 for your free consultation today.