FAQs
Q: How can the defendant plead “not guilty” when he/she confessed to the crime?
A: Even though the defendant has given a signed confession, he/she has the constitutional right to a trial. Often defendants are advised to plea “not guilty” at arraignment so that their attorney has an opportunity to file motions in order to receive information about the crime.
Q: How long will it be before my trial?
A: The average length of time it takes for a case to go to trial varies. The more serious cases take longer, averaging from 1 to 3 years.
Q: Why does my case keep getting continued?
A: Many victims become annoyed because of continuations. Judges grant continuances for a variety of reason. Continuances are frustrating but very common in the criminal process.
Q: Why is the defendant out of jail?
A: After a defendant is arrested a bond is set within 72 hours. The amount of the bond depends entirely upon the Judge. The defendant can bond out of jail at any time if his/her bond is paid. If the Defendant can not pay his bond, he may have a bond reduction hearing in which the judge has the opportunity to lower the bond.
Q: Will I have to testify?
A: You might be called to testify if you have information relative to the case. An appointment with the District Attorney and/or the Assistant District Attorney will be set before the trial date to discuss your case with you.
Traffic Related FAQs
Q: If I have to appear in court for a Proof of Payment, (delayed fine) can I pay it before my court date to avoid making the appearance?
A: You may pay the delayed fine prior to your court date. Please obtain a money order in the amount of the delayed fine and send it along with a copy of the paper work you obtained from the court to:
St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.
P.O. Box 1600
LaPlace, LA 70069-1600You may also pay in person by going to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office located at 1800 West Airline Hwy. in LaPlace, LA or 2393 Hwy. 18 in Edgard, LA. The forms of payment accepted at the Sheriff’s Office are cash, money order, debit card or credit card. A credit card payment will be accepted over the phone which will require a 5% processing fee (phone number 985-652-9513). Be sure to indicate that the payment is for a delayed fine. Failure to pay your fine before your court date will result in a warrant for your arrest and an additional fee of $165.00.
Q: Where is my court date located on a traffic citation?
A: Your court date is located just above the signature line on the citation. You must appear on that date or have paid your fine prior to that date. Failure to do so will result in your license being suspended and an additional fee of $165.00.
Q: What do you do if you miss a court date for a traffic violation?
A: To pay a violation you must submit the amount of the fine plus a contempt of court fee in the amount of $165.00. (Please refer to the schedule of fines for instructions.
To request a new court date, you must post a cash bond in the amount of the citation plus the contempt of court fee. For help in scheduling a court date, please contact our office at (985) 497-8270.
Q: What actions should you take if you discover prior to your court date that you cannot appear on the date specified?
A: To reschedule a future court date you must post a cash bond in the amount of the ticket (follow the instructions on the Schedule of Fines). This must be done prior to your court date. After the money is posted, contact our office at (985) 497-8270 to receive your new court date.
Q: How do you pay a ticket after your driver’s license has been suspended?
A: To find the amount that is due, please refer to the Schedule of Fines. The contempt of court fee must be paid, NO EXCEPTIONS! Follow the directions for paying a fine. Or, you may appear at the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office located at 1800 West Airline Hwy. in LaPlace, LA or 2393 Hwy. 18 in Edgard, LA. When paying in person you may use a debit card, credit card, cash or a money order. NO PERSONAL CHECKS.
What do you do if you want to keep a moving violation off of your driving record?
A: You may utilize an Article 894 plea. You must appear in court. This appearance is mandatory. The court date is located near the bottom of your citation. In order to qualify for this, you must have a clean driving record and not have plead under this article in the past five years.