Lauren Tignor has established litigation experience to help get you the best possible outcome.
Savannah Traffic Violations Lawyer
We’ll Help You Fight Your Traffic Ticket in Pooler, Tybee, and the Surrounding Areas
If a law enforcement officer believes that you have violated a state or city traffic law or ordinance, they might issue a citation. Although it might be easier to simply pay the ticket than go through the hassle of going to court, doing so can have huge consequences. The Georgia Department of Driver Services can assess points to your license, and your insurance company could raise your premiums. Fortunately, paying the fine is not your only option. You can contest the ticket by pleading not guilty to the alleged violation and appearing in court to tell your side of the story.
At Tignor Law Firm, our Savannah traffic violations attorney has over a decade of experience and knows how to present a compelling case to challenge citations. We focus exclusively on helping people involved in criminal matters and care about protecting our clients' rights and futures. With a down-to-earth approach and a friendly demeanor, our attorney can deliver the compassionate guidance you need. We will fully explain the consequences of paying your ticket and let you know your options for seeking an optimal outcome.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at (912) 470-4755 or submit an online contact form today.
to request a free consultation.
What It Means to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Georgia
Courts throughout Georgia offer various convenient ways to pay the fine listed on a traffic citation. However, just because submitting a payment is easy does not mean it's the way to go.
When you pay a traffic ticket fine, you are essentially saying that you committed the violation. In other words, you're pleading guilty.
By pleading guilty, you accept not only the fine for the violation but also the points associated with it. The court will send the conviction information to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. The Department will then assess the appropriate points. If you rack up 15 points within 24 months, your driver's license will be suspended.
Examples of the points for certain traffic violations in Georgia are as follows:
- Aggressive driving (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-397): 6 points
- Reckless driving (O.C.G.A § 40-6-390): 4 points
- Speeding (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-181):
- 15 to 18 mph over: 2 points
- 19 to 23 mph over: 3 points
- 24 to 33 mph over: 4 points
- 24 or more mph over: 6 points
- Failure to obey a police officer (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-2): 3 points
- Improper passing (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-42): 3 points
- Operating a vehicle while texting (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241.2): 1 point
Before deciding to pay your ticket, please consult our traffic violations lawyer in Savannah. We can seek a more favorable result, such as a lower fine, reduced charges, or a case dismissal.
What It Means to Appear in Court for a Traffic Ticket in Georgia
Your other option for taking care of a traffic citation is going to court. The ticket will have on it a date when you can go before a judge and enter a plea. By pleading not guilty, you state that you contest the allegations against you.
The judge will then set a date for trial. You will present your evidence at trial, and a judge or jury will decide whether you committed the violation.
For some serious traffic violations, your only option is to appear in court. You don't have the choice of paying the fine in advance.
These offenses include, but are not limited to:
- DUI (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-931): Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
- Reckless driving (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390): Operating a vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer (O.C.G.A § 40-6-395): Willfully failing to pull over or driving off after being indicated by a police officer to stop.
Note that failing to pay the fine or appear in court for a traffic ticket has consequences. The Georgia Department of Driver Services can suspend your license until your case concludes. In some situations, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
Having to go through the legal process and present your case in court can be intimidating. Thankfully, you can have a lawyer on your side throughout. At Tignor Law Firm, our traffic violations attorney in Savannah will review the evidence, develop a defense strategy, and appear in court for or with you.
Speak with our Dedicated Attorney Right Away
You have only a limited amount of time to decide whether you're going to pay your traffic fine or contest the violation. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to get started on your case. We handle serious and minor traffic violations and will work relentlessly to protect your future.
We're ready to help you. Contact us at (912) 470-4755 to schedule a consultation.
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“Lauren’s legal prowess is unmatched.”
- Happy Client
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