Traffic tickets can be more than just a nuisance. Often, there are fines, points added to your license and other potential consequences of receiving a ticket. If you receive a traffic citation, it is important to contact an Alpharetta traffic lawyer immediately to ensure your rights are upheld. Skilled traffic defense lawyers can assist you in potentially contesting your tickets and mitigating penalties.
Types of Traffic InfractionsGeorgia traffic laws can result in a multitude of traffic violations. Some of the common types of traffic infractions in Alpharetta are:
Penalties for violating Alpharetta’s traffic laws vary. Points are added to a defendant’s license each time the defendant pleads guilty to a traffic citation. Paying a ticket, instead of contesting it, is an admission of guilt. A nolo contendere plea will appear on a driving record.
It has the same effect as if the defendant were found guilty in court. It is best to contact an Alpharetta traffic lawyer to determine whether or not to contest the ticket. Each traffic offense carries different points. For example, a reckless driving citation is four points, while operating a vehicle while texting is only one point. If a defendant accumulates 15 or more points, within a 24-month period, their license will be suspended.
Non-Point Penalties and FeesIn addition to point penalties and a license suspension for violation of Georgia’s traffic laws, prosecution may impose additional nonpoint penalties. Some of the potential penalties for violating Georgia’s traffic laws include fines, payment of court cost, jail, probation, traffic school, and/or community service. Fines can be costly for the average driver. Some offenses, such as failure to move over for emergency vehicles, can be as much as $1000.
Additionally, if a defendant’s license is suspended, a fee is imposed to reinstate the defendant’s license. There are also several nonjudicial consequences that can result from a traffic ticket. These consequences include such things as attorney fees, time off from work, potential loss of job and possibly increased insurance rates. An Alpharetta traffic attorney will discuss the possible outcomes of the case and potential clients will be able to determine if hiring an attorney and contesting the ticket would be beneficial.
How an Alpharetta Traffic Lawyer can HelpOften when someone receives a traffic ticket, they think it is easier and cheaper just to pay the fine. In some cases, this may be true. Often, however, they are better off hiring an attorney to contest their ticket. An Alpharetta traffic lawyer will know the types of defenses to raise, the documents or witnesses to present and ways to either have the citation dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge and sentence.
For example, if the office did not have a valid reason to stop you and only discovered the traffic violation upon illegally stopping your car, your attorney would raise that issue as a legal basis for dismissing your case. If you contest your ticket, an Alpharetta traffic attorney is beneficial. The attorney will ensure your rights are protected.