Louisiana
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in Louisiana
Careless or reckless driving is one of the most serious moving violations — in many states it is a misdemeanor with jail exposure. An attorney can often negotiate it down to a simple infraction that protects your record.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed Louisiana attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in Louisiana
What a careless & reckless driving costs in Louisiana
- Typical fine
- Up to $200 and/or up to 90 days jail first offense
- License points
- No points, but a criminal misdemeanor conviction on your record
- Insurance impact
- Reckless operation is one of the most heavily surcharged convictions — 25%+ increases are common, on premiums that are already the nation's highest.
- License risk
- Misdemeanor under La. R.S. 14:99 with jail exposure that doubles on repeat offenses; the conviction also weighs in any OMV suspension review.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'reckless operation' in Louisiana?
La. R.S. 14:99 — operating a vehicle in a criminally negligent or reckless manner. It's a true misdemeanor with up to 90 days of jail exposure on a first offense, not a mere traffic infraction, and it lands on your criminal record.
Can reckless operation be pled down in Louisiana?
Frequently — common outcomes include amendment to a basic moving violation like improper lane use or careless operation, which removes the criminal exposure and most of the insurance damage. Clean-record drivers negotiate from the strongest position.
I was charged with reckless operation after a crash. What changes?
Prosecutors treat accident cases more seriously, and your statements can resurface in a civil claim over the crash. Have a licensed Louisiana attorney review the evidence before anything is said or signed — we can connect you for a case evaluation.
Is reckless operation sometimes charged alongside other offenses?
Yes — it often accompanies speeding, racing, or DWI charges as part of a package. An attorney looks at the whole set, because resolving them together is usually where the leverage is.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation