On this page
- Does Westwego have its own court?
- When does a Westwego case go to Gretna?
- Is a Westwego traffic ticket worth fighting?
- What if I was caught driving on a suspended license?
- What happens if I am ticketed for no insurance in Westwego?
- Can I keep driving to work after a DWI arrest in Westwego?
- What other charges do Westwego residents bring to us?
- How close is Westwego to our Kenner office?
Does Westwego have its own court?
Yes. Westwego runs its own police department and its own mayor's court for city cases. Public directories list Westwego Mayor's Court at the Westwego Court Complex, 410 4th St. Always check the court and address printed on your ticket.
Westwego Police generally handle stops and arrests inside city limits. Just outside the city, in places like Bridge City, Avondale and Waggaman, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is usually the agency involved, and those cases skip the city court.
If you received more than one ticket from the same stop, they may not all be in the same court. Bring every citation to your consultation so nothing gets missed.
When does a Westwego case go to Gretna?
When it is charged under state law. State misdemeanors from the West Bank, including most first and second offense DWIs, go to Second Parish Court at 100 Huey P. Long Ave. in Gretna. Felonies go to the 24th Judicial District Court at 200 Derbigny St., where the Jefferson Parish DA prosecutes them.
If you are held after an arrest, it will be at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center at 100 Dolhonde St. in Gretna. You must see a judge within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Is a Westwego traffic ticket worth fighting?
Often it is worth at least a conversation. Louisiana skips the point system, yet every traffic conviction still lands on your OMV driving record, and insurers read that record when they set your rates.
- General traffic penalties. When a law sets no specific penalty, a first violation carries up to $175 and up to 30 days. A later one carries up to $500 and up to 90 days.
- Reckless operation is a crime, not just a ticket, with up to $200 and 90 days on a first offense.
- Commercial drivers can be disqualified for 60 days after two serious violations in 3 years, such as speeding 15 mph or more over the limit.
See our traffic ticket defense page and should I pay my traffic ticket?
What if I was caught driving on a suspended license?
Take it seriously, because the penalties build on themselves. A first conviction for driving under suspension carries up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail for a regular license, and up to $5,000 for a commercial license. Your existing suspension is also automatically extended by 1 year.
If the original suspension came from a DWI, a later driving under suspension conviction means at least 7 days in jail, served without a break. Many suspensions start with a missed court date. When you fail to appear on a traffic ticket, the court notifies the state and you owe a $100 OMV fee to clear it, on top of a possible bench warrant.
We can often help untangle how the suspension started and what it takes to fix it. Call (504) 905-8399.
What happens if I am ticketed for no insurance in Westwego?
It can cost far more than the ticket. Knowingly driving without liability insurance in Louisiana carries a fine of $500 to $1,000, and your registration and driving privileges can be suspended, your plates cancelled and your vehicle impounded.
Getting things back costs money too. The OMV charges reinstatement fees based on how long you were uninsured: $125 for up to 30 days, $275 for 31 to 90 days and $525 for more than 90 days. Bring proof of any insurance you had on the date of the stop to your consultation.
Can I keep driving to work after a DWI arrest in Westwego?
In many cases, yes, with conditions. After a first or second DWI arrest where you refused the test or tested under 0.15%, you are immediately eligible for a restricted license once an ignition interlock is installed. At 0.15% or higher, a hardship license is available for the full suspension, also with an interlock.
None of that helps if you miss the 30-day window to request an OMV hearing. Call (504) 905-8399 as soon as you can after the arrest so we can protect that deadline.
What other charges do Westwego residents bring to us?
We defend all criminal charges, including:
- DWI. You have 30 days from the arrest to request an OMV hearing. Our Gretna DWI page covers Second Parish Court in detail.
- Drug charges, from marijuana to fentanyl
- Theft and shoplifting
- Battery. Simple battery is a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and 6 months.
How close is Westwego to our Kenner office?
Westwego is the closest West Bank city to our office. From 4224 Florida Ave. in Kenner, it is about 18 to 20 minutes (roughly 10 miles). We serve Bridge City, Avondale, Marrero, Waggaman and every Westwego neighborhood.
Barry is a former Orleans Parish prosecutor and public defender, and our associate attorney, Patricio Ramos, is also a former prosecutor. Your first consultation is free and confidential, in person or by phone or video. Our Jefferson Parish page covers the West Bank and East Bank court split in more detail.