Aggressive Driving
In Georgia, aggressive driving constitutes a person who operates any motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person. Aggressive driving is not often seen in Atlanta, but people do get cited for it. If you have been charged with aggressive driving, contact an Atlanta aggressive driving lawyer who has experience working with traffic violation cases. An accomplished attorney could provide you with the legal advice you need going forward.
Elements of Aggressive DrivingThere is no local offense with regards to traffic violations. The rules of the road are all governed by state law. Some of the most common actions of aggressive driving are:
- Driving with the intent to annoy or harass someone else
- Flashing their lights
- Cutting someone off
- Going into someone’s lane
- Tailgating
- Excessive honking
Speeding is generally not considered aggressive driving. Speeding on someone’s rear bumper could be considered aggressive driving, but the offense would be speeding plus another charge.
Common sense behaviors can avoid aggressive driving offenses. And if someone is charged with an aggressive driving offense, they must appear in court. They cannot pay the fine online or over the phone.
Case ExpectationsAn aggressive driving charge is a misdemeanor offense. In Georgia, misdemeanor’s can carry up to a $1,000 fine and up to 12 months in jail. However, jail time is not common with aggressive driving cases. Most of the time, the person faces mandatory community service and a defensive driving course. They could also get put on probation. An aggressive driving offense carries a six-point penalty on the person’s license too. If someone accumulates 15 points over the course of 24 months, then their license is suspended. If the offender is under the age of 21, then a conviction results in an automatic suspension of their driver’s license.
The municipal court and the state court solicitor in Fulton County handle aggressive driving cases in Atlanta. And when someone goes to court, it is essential that they have an Atlanta aggressive driving attorney by their side.
How an Atlanta Aggressive Driving Lawyer can HelpBy hiring an Atlanta aggressive driving lawyer, the defendant will have someone mitigating the offense, arguing the defendant was not guilty of it, arguing it was another driver’s fault, and cross-examining the witnesses to show that they have bias and their version of the facts are either not true or mistaken.
It is crucial for someone to work with an attorney who is familiar with the court system, wherever the jurisdiction the defendant is in. An experienced lawyer will know the prosecutors and judges, as well as know their tendencies as what they will and will not accept. It is important to know that just because a prosecutor makes a recommendation, it does not mean the judge is willing to accept it. A well-trained attorney knows how to work with various kinds of cases within the confines of the system.
If you have been arrested for aggressive driving, call a lawyer today to schedule a consultation. An attorney can assess the facts of the case and give you the legal advice you need.