Just because a police officer has said that you committed a traffic violation does not make it true. You have the absolute right in the state of Georgia to contest that officer’s opinion in court. While you do not have the right to a public defender for most traffic matters, you can certainly hire a Forsyth County traffic lawyer to represent you.
A guilty finding on a traffic violation can result in heavy fines, points on your license, and even a loss of license. Do not take that chance, exercise your right to be heard with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Examples of Traffic ViolationsMany traffic tickets are issued for well-known reasons. The common rules of the road such as speed limits, stop signs, and crosswalks are part of a driver’s license test.
Despite the fact that a guilty finding on these violations might result in only a fine and points on a person’s license, in the case of repeat offenders, this can bring about a loss of license. Whether it is a first violation or a subsequent charge, a person has the right to contest the officer’s statements in court.
There are several more serious crimes related to traffic violations which require that a defendant appears in court. These include:
If a person is given a ticket for any of these crimes, they are required to appear in court on the date listed on the ticket, as these are considered to be criminal acts under Georgia state law.
The date on the ticket is for a criminal arraignment where important issues such as pleading guilty or not guilty. If a person does not appear for this hearing, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
Forsyth County traffic lawyers represent clients who either wish to contest a ticket in court or are accused of a crime related to driving.
Fighting a Traffic Ticket in CourtNo matter what the officer who pulled a person over says, a person has the right to contest the ticket in court. Just as defendants in criminal cases are innocent until proven guilty, so are people accused of traffic violations.
A person has the absolute right to a trial to determine if they are at fault and the right to confront the officer who issued the ticket in court. However, there is a precise procedure that must be followed.
First, a person should take a look at the traffic ticket. Georgia law requires that the ticket have the information concerning which court will hear the case and how to contact them. There is a deadline, however, so a person will not want to not delay.
If a person misses this date, a default judgment of guilty will be entered. After the request for a hearing is submitted, a date will be issued for a day at court. On this date, the case will likely be decided.
The officer will state whether they think a person is guilty, and they will have the chance to ask them questions. If contesting, a person also has the chance to say why they should not be held responsible.
Forsyth County traffic lawyers can represent a person at this hearing to present a cogent argument and cross-examine the officer.
How a Forsyth County Traffic Lawyers can HelpOur firm represents clients who wish to contest traffic tickets, as well as those who are accused of criminal activity resulting from driving their car. We will be by your side every step of the way from requesting the initial court date, to appearing in court to plead your side of the case.
If there are criminal charges pending, we will represent you during every step from arraignment through a potential trial. Do not take any chances of paying high fines, losing your license, or even going to jail. Contact our Forsyth County traffic lawyers today.