Fulton County Traffic Ticket Lawyers
Often, drivers view getting a traffic ticket as a mere inconvenience to their day. However, even a minor moving violation can lead to an expensive fine, or multiple points on a driving record. Many Fulton County drivers are unaware that they can actually fight a traffic ticket in court.
Contesting a traffic ticket in court can be time-consuming, however. A traffic attorney who knows the court system and court personnel can make a pesky traffic citation less painful to handle.
The legal process of fighting a traffic ticket can get complicated. Instead of trying to resolve your traffic case alone, turn to a Fulton County traffic lawyer. A skilled defense lawyer will represent you in court and do their best to ensure your traffic violation is reduced or dismissed.
Protecting Driving RecordsEvery traffic violation can “earn” a driver a certain number of points on their driving record. Each point is an indication that the driver broke a state traffic law. Georgia State Rule 375-3-3-.01 defines how many points each violation is worth, ranging from two to six points each.
These points indicate the frequency and severity of the driver’s traffic violations. If a driver earns too many points, they could face serious legal penalties, including fines and more. Drivers who accumulate 15 points within a certain time period face license suspension.
Drivers who accumulate fewer than 15 points on their record could still face negative consequences. A points-heavy driving record can lead to increased insurance rates. Drivers who need a clean record for work may even face lost employment opportunities in the future.
Types of Traffic ViolationsBelow are some of the most common traffic violations Fulton County traffic lawyers defend:
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Unlawfully passing a school bus
- Speeding
- Improper lane change
- Texting while driving
- Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
- DUI
- Driving without a valid license, insurance, or vehicle registration
If a person received a speeding ticket, skilled traffic lawyers in Fulton County can help them contest the ticket in court. Fighting the ticket is their best chance at reducing their penalties, or dismissing the violation altogether.
DUI ChargesWhile police may stop a driver for an alleged moving violation, they can arrest and charge intoxicated drivers with driving under the influence (DUI). Drivers 21 years of age or older who operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or more could face arrest and a DUI charge.
For commercial drivers, that BAC level is lowered to just 0.04%. Minor motorists (those under the age of 21) can face DUI charges if they drive with a BAC of just 0.02%. Drivers convicted of a first DUI in Fulton County face stiff penalties, including:
- A fine up to $1,000
- Required attendance in a DUI and alcohol awareness program
- 40 hours of community service
- License suspension for 1 year
- Between 10 days and 1 year in jail
- 1-year probation period
With each subsequent conviction, penalties can increase, sometimes significantly. After a fourth DUI conviction, the penalties include years in a state prison. As with other traffic and motor vehicle violations, a DUI conviction remains on the driver’s state driving record.
How a Traffic Attorney can HelpInstead of spending your time navigating traffic court, contact Fulton County traffic attorneys for help. Traffic lawyers in Fulton County will contest your ticket, and work hard to minimize the impact a traffic ticket can have on your record.