Almost everyone, at one time or another, ends up getting a traffic ticket. And for most people, simply paying a traffic ticket is not a bad idea. However, if you have several previous tickets or the traffic offense you’re facing is especially serious, it is important to understand your options. At the Law Offices of Glenn T. Stern, our Atlanta traffic citations attorney has more than two decades of experience helping clients fight traffic tickets so they can keep their drivers’ licenses and go on with their lives.
Like many other states, Georgia uses a points-based system to determine whether your license will be suspended following a traffic citation. In Georgia, when you receive a traffic citation, the Department of Driver Services will add between two to six points, based on the offense. If you receive 15 points in a 24-month period, you will have your driver’s license suspended.
Below is a list of some of the more common traffic citations, as well as the number of points that come along with them:
Notably, some common traffic citations are absent from this list. This is because there are some offenses that result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license, meaning no points are added to your record. For example, the following citations carry an automatic license suspension if you are found guilty:
The above are actually misdemeanor criminal offenses, which not only bring an automatic licenses suspension but can also result in hefty fines, probation or even jail time.
When you receive a Georgia traffic ticket, you have two choices: pay the ticket or contest the citation in court. If you pay the ticket, it’s the equivalent of pleading guilty, meaning you offer no defense and admit to the violation. In turn, the Department of Driver Services will then automatically add points to your record. If you want to contest the ticket, you must follow the directions on the citation. Contesting most traffic citations requires you to attend a hearing in front of a judge, who will hear the evidence on both sides and then determine if you are guilty of the offense.
For most people, it’s simply not cost-effective to hire an attorney to represent them for something such as a first-time speeding ticket. However, for professional drivers or those with a bad driving history, the cost of a citation can mean much more than a fine. Attorney Glenn Stern understands what is at stake and helps clients get clients the results they need.
If you have multiple traffic tickets or are facing a serious Atlanta traffic offense such as a DUI or driving without insurance, reach out to the Law Offices of Glenn T. Stern. Attorney Stern will review your case and determine the best approach for protecting your driver’s license. In many cases, we are able to effectively resolve our clients’ outstanding tickets such that they can keep their licenses. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, contact the Law Offices of Glenn T. Stern at (404) 320-1049 today. You can also reach us through our online contact form. We handle cases on behalf of clients in Atlanta and throughout Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett and Clayton counties, including in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Jonesboro, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Cumming and Dunwoody.