What makes driving reckless under Louisiana law?

Prosecutors typically claim your driving showed a willful or wanton disregard for safety—based on speed plus additional factors like weaving, traffic conditions, and near collisions.

Can a reckless driving charge be reduced?

Often yes, depending on the facts, your driving record, and mitigation. Our firm seeks dismissals, amendments to non-criminal infractions, or other outcomes that protect your record.

Do out-of-state drivers need to return to Louisiana for court?

In many courts we can appear for routine settings and minimize travel. Requirements vary by judge and parish; contact us as soon as possible.

Do you also handle DWI/DUI and Hit & Run?

Yes. Barkemeyer Law Firm defends DWI/DUI and Hit & Run statewide and understands how these charges interact with reckless operation allegations.

Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer in Louisiana

Reckless Operation of a Vehicle Defense Lawyers in Louisiana: Barkemeyer Law Firm. Learn about the laws and penalties in this video.

Louisiana Criminal Defense

Reckless Driving Defense – La. R.S. 14:99

A reckless driving arrest under La. R.S. 14:99 is a criminal charge in Louisiana—not a simple traffic ticket. The judge can order up to 90 days in jail. The Barkemeyer Law Firm defends reckless operation cases in every parish and city across Louisiana, focusing on protecting your record, license, and livelihood.

Why Barkemeyer Law Firm? Attorney Carl Barkemeyer has defended thousands of driving-related offenses statewide and literally wrote the book on Louisiana DWI defense (see his book). Our firm is routinely trusted by professionals, CDL holders, students, and out-of-state drivers who need precise, local guidance and strategic results.

What the State Must Prove

Prosecutors generally allege that you operated a vehicle in a manner that shows wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. The facts vary case-to-case—speeding alone may not be enough; the total driving behavior matters.

Learn more on our detailed page: Reckless Operation in Louisiana.

Possible Penalties & Collateral Damage

Criminal conviction (misdemeanor), fines, and potential jail
Driver’s license consequences & insurance spikes
Employment, professional licensing, and background-check issues
Exposure to harsher penalties if charged with related offenses (DWI, Hit & Run, etc.)

How We Defend You

Analyze the stop, dash/body-cam, witness accounts
Challenge “reckless” elements & negotiate charge reductions
Protect your record through dismissals, amendments, or alternative resolutions when available
Handle court appearances and logistics statewide

We Defend Reckless Driving Across Louisiana

From Shreveport and Monroe to Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houma/Thibodaux, the Northshore, and New Orleans, our team appears in city, mayor’s, and district courts in every parish. Out-of-state client? We coordinate your case so you don’t make unnecessary trips.

DWI / DUI Defense

Charged with drunk/drugged driving? See how we challenge the stop, testing, and license issues.

Hit & Run Defense

We defend La. R.S. 14:100 allegations and work to protect your record and license.

Reckless Operation Guide

Deep-dive: statute, penalties, and defenses for reckless driving in Louisiana.

Our Goal: avoid a criminal conviction, minimize court appearances, and keep you driving. We push for dismissals, amendments to non-criminal traffic offenses when possible, or other outcomes that protect your future.

Louisiana Reckless Driving FAQs (La. R.S. 14:99)

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Louisiana?

Yes. Reckless operation under La. R.S. 14:99 is a criminal misdemeanor. A conviction can carry fines, potential jail, and lasting record consequences.

What makes driving “reckless”?

The State typically argues your driving showed a willful or wanton disregard for safety—often based on speed plus additional factors (weaving, passing, road/traffic conditions, near-misses, etc.). We analyze the totality and challenge weak evidence.

Can it be reduced to a non-criminal offense?

In many courts, yes—depending on facts, driving history, and mitigation. We frequently negotiate amendments or alternative resolutions to protect your record and insurance.

I live out of state. Do I have to appear?

Often we can appear on your behalf for routine settings and minimize travel. Talk with us early so we can plan around your schedule and the court’s rules.

Do you also handle DWI or Hit & Run?

Absolutely. We defend DWI/DUI and Hit & Run throughout Louisiana and understand how these charges interact with reckless operation.