St. Landry Crime Stoppers Shares Useful Information

It was on the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers' Facebook page that I saw this information, and it was quite informative!

The information deals with traffic violations, and having to "sign" the ticket - very interesting!

From Captain Megan Vizena of the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers:

Q:  Can I refuse to sign a traffic citation if I feel that I am not guilty?

 

A:  If the officer issues you a citation for a traffic violation, you MUST sign the citation even if you feel that you are not guilty. Your signature on the citation is not an admission of guilt; it is only your promise to appear in traffic court.
The traffic ticket contains an actual notice to you of a pending court date at which you must appear. By signing the ticket, you are providing an acknowledgment of the “notice to appear.” Since the officer is charging you with a violation of law, he could take you into custody. By signing the traffic ticket, you avoid being taken into custody at that time, and you are being “released on your own recognizance” pending the court date. By signing the traffic ticket, you remain free and retain the right to show up at the hearing to contest the issuance of the citation or summons. A person is free to refuse to sign the traffic ticket; however, the police officer is free to place him/her under arrest and take him/her into custody.

The page goes on to remind us that this information is intended for informational purposes only and not for legal advice.

If you have an y questions for Captain Megan Vizena of the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers, you can email her at megan@slpsheriff.com