How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Georgia

In Georgia, law enforcement agents issue traffic tickets to drivers, pedestrians, and other road users who violate the Georgia Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code. Traffic tickets contain information about the traffic violation of which the offender has been accused. The information includes the nature of the traffic violation or offense, the penalties or fine, available payment methods, and the court where the case hearing will occur.

When law enforcement agents issue a traffic ticket to an offender, the alleged offender may respond by paying or contesting the ticket. If the recipient chooses to pay the ticket, the courts may consider the payment an admission of guilt. As a result, the individual may be found guilty and face additional penalties on top of the fine.

Ticket recipients may also choose to contest the ticket. In this case, the recipient may be required to appear at a traffic court where the magistrate, administrator, or judge hears the case and decides on it.

Ticket recipients are expected to respond to the ticket before the court date printed on the ticket. Those who fail to respond to traffic tickets promptly may incur further charges and get suspended licenses.

Records of traffic violations and other public records may also be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites are a convenient alternative to government-owned resources since they aggregate records across multiple jurisdictions and provide multi-search options for inquirers searching for more than one record. To lookup traffic records using these sites, inquirers may need to provide the following information:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the document or person involved

Since aggregate sites are operated independently of government sources, record availability, and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Is it Worth it To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Georgia?

If a ticket recipient believes the ticket was unmerited, they may contest it in court. However, the defendant will need to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, suppose the violation is likely to result in driving record points, license suspensions, terms of imprisonment, or other severe penalties for the offender. In that case, it may be worth contesting the ticket. However, it is worth noting that contesting a traffic ticket may cost more since the offender usually requires a traffic attorney’s services. If the defendant is found guilty or receives an otherwise unfavorable disposition, they may appeal the court’s decision.

On the other hand, if a traffic recipient chooses not to contest the ticket, the court assumes they are guilty. The penalty may be the same as if the recipient were found guilty following a hearing. However, if the traffic violation is minor and paying the ticket does not result in severe penalties, the motorist may choose not to contest it.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Georgia

Ticket recipients who choose to contest traffic tickets are expected to appear in court at the scheduled date printed on the ticket and enter a ‘not guilty’ plea. The defendant may choose to appear in court pro se or represented by an attorney. The ticket will indicate the specific court where the defendant is required to appear. In Georgia, municipal courts, county probate courts, juvenile courts, magistrate courts, and state courts handle traffic offenses.

Contesting parties may request a jury trial, especially if the traffic violation is a criminal offense under state laws. The issuing officer may or may not be present at the court hearing. If the officer is present, the officer may give a testimony of the traffic offense event. The defendant may bring witnesses to prove innocence or to counter the issuing officer’s testimony. If the defense proves that the officer wrongly issued a traffic ticket, the judge may dismiss the case. If the judge dismisses the case, the defendant is acquitted and will not receive driving record points or penalties. However, if the court finds the defendant guilty, the defendant becomes obligated to pay fines and serve other punishments applicable to the traffic offense.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

In Georgia, persons interested in contesting traffic tickets are expected to make a physical appearance in court. Although it is possible to pay traffic tickets online in many Georgia counties, Georgia does not currently provide alternative methods for contesting traffic tickets. Interested parties are usually required to visit the courthouse in person to enter a plea and pay applicable court fees.

How do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Georgia?

Fines and fees for traffic tickets in Georgia are fixed. Typically, traffic fines are set in ranges that the courts rule on at the court’s discretion. In some cases, the courts add surcharges to the ticket fees; however, the total amount may not exceed the law’s maximum range. In Georgia, some traffic court magistrates or judges may reduce the offender’s speed (for a speeding ticket) in exchange for a guilty plea. Alleged offenders who cannot pay traffic tickets in full may appear in court or contact the court clerk directly to learn the appropriate course of action.

Can you Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Georgia?

In Georgia, traffic tickets may be dismissed if the court dismisses the case. The state of Georgia does not dismiss speeding tickets when offenders take driver improvement courses. The offender may be able to work out a deal with the prosecutor to reduce the penalties. In this case, the speeding offense may not show up on the offender’s record. The offender may not accumulate driving record points, but it may not be possible to have the speeding ticket dismissed.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Georgia?

Persons who plead guilty or no contest to traffic tickets are usually required to pay the indicated fines. Additional penalties may also apply, such as surcharges, prison terms, and other fees. Depending on the nature of the traffic offense, the court may suspend the driver’s license and add points to the driver’s record. Georgia’s point system uses two (2) to six (6) points, depending on the severity of the offense. The court may suspend an offender’s license if they accrue up to 15 points in 24 months.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Georgia

Traffic ticket attorneys help ticket recipients navigate the legal system by providing legal advice and representation. They may also be a significant help for getting a tiicket dismissed. To find traffic ticket attorneys in Georgia, interested parties may search through the state bar, other legal aid organizations, and third-party websites.