CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Traffic Tickets
If you have received a traffic ticket or citation in or around Atlanta Ga you may need a Criminal Defense attorney. Getting a ticket usually means points on your license, fines, and sometimes jail time depending on the severity. Having an excellent and honest Criminal Defense Attorney may result in some fines or penalties being reduced or even dropped. Don’t let your speeding ticket cost hurt you further down the road, call one of our Criminal Defense traffic ticket attorney’s today!
CONTACT POTRA LAW FIRM IF YOU NEED CRIMINAL DEFENSE REPRESENTATION
What does a traffic ticket mean?
A traffic ticket or citation is a formal notice that you have been charged with a traffic offense. In Georgia, traffic offenses are usually misdemeanors, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $1000 fine. The usual punishment, however, is a fine.
What happens when you get a criminal traffic ticket?
When you receive a traffic citation, you receive a formal notification of a court date at the bottom of your citation. At this court appearance, you can either plead guilty or plead not guilty and set your case for trial at a later date. At that trial, the officer who ticketed you will testify to what he or she saw in support of that ticket. You will be given the opportunity to present your side of what happened as well.
Does a traffic ticket count as a criminal record?
Depending on the offense, a traffic offense can go on your driving record. This can cause adverse consequences, such as points on your license or rising insurance rates. Certain employers may also look at traffic history when considering someone for employment. Except for certain serious offenses, you don’t need to include traffic tickets when asked for your criminal history. Always consult with an attorney if you have questions about what to include on your criminal history.
Do I need a lawyer for my traffic ticket?
An attorney knows the law and will be able to analyze your case for possible legal defenses. An attorney will also be able to predict and avoid collateral consequences associated with traffic offenses, including points on your license, license suspension issues, and rising insurance costs. It is always a good idea to consult with an attorney if you have questions about your traffic offense.
Can you plead guilty and not be convicted?
A plea of Nolo Contendere or No Contest is a special plea where you do not formally admit guilt but are not contesting the charges against you. Please note that a no-contest plea is still a conviction. The benefit of a no-contest plea is that it can help you avoid certain collateral consequences that could come from a conviction in your case such as civil liability, points on your license, or a license suspension. Please consult with an attorney if you have questions about whether a no contest plea is appropriate in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are traffic ticket lawyers worth it?
An attorney knows the law and will be able to analyze your case for possible legal defenses. An attorney will also be able to predict and avoid collateral consequences associated with traffic offenses, including points on your license, license suspension issues, and rising insurance costs. It is always a good idea to consult with an attorney if you have questions about your traffic offense.
Should I plead guilty to a speeding ticket?
A conviction for a speeding offense can lead to consequences such as fines, points on your license, and even jail time or license suspension depending on your speed. If you have questions about the consequences of your plea to a speeding offense, you should consult with an attorney before you plead guilty.
Is it better to plead guilty or no contest?
The benefit of a plea of Nolo Contendere or No Contest is that it can be used to prevent points from going on your license or prevent your license from being suspended. However, the catch is that a no-contest plea can only be used once every five years. It may be in your interest to avoid pleading no contest on a less serious case to preserve your ability to plead no contest in the future. Please consult with an attorney if you have questions about the no-contest plea and your case.
Will the police show up to testify on my hearing date?
What happens if he/she doesn’t show up? You may have heard that if the police officer who ticketed you does not show up to court, then your case will be dismissed. That is only true in some cases. The hearing date written on your ticket is your arraignment, which is the court appearance where you plead guilty or not guilty. The officer does not have to show up at this court date. If you plead not guilty, then the case will be set for trial at a later date. At the trial, the officer will be required to attend. If the officer does not show up on this date, your case may be dismissed. However, just because an officer does not show up does not mean your case is automatically dismissed. The judge has the right to set a new hearing date.
Do the police run your plates when they are behind you?
The police are authorized by law to check your license plate number through a computer system for issues associated with your car registration, such as whether your registration is suspended or canceled, whether you have maintained current insurance on your car, or whether your license is suspended. If a check of your license plate numbers come back with registration, insurance, or license issue, the police can pull you over to investigate those issues. If the officer later determines that you have committed a crime or offense, you can be cited or arrested.
Let one of our Atlanta criminal defense attorneys evaluate your case today.
If you received a traffic ticket, learn your rights and find out if our Atlanta-area lawyers can help you avoid costly fines, points and insurance penalties. Call and schedule your consultation with a Potra Law Firm Criminal Defense attorney today!
