Why hire a Cobb County traffic ticket defense lawyer? A traffic ticket can be trivial, or just a minor annoyance. Or, sometimes, that same ticket can be a major headache. For instance, a citation for following too close usually arises out of a minor fender bender. If the contact between the two cars was minor, resulting in very little if any damage, that can be a small hassle for the driver who got the ticket. But if it was a more serious accident, there’s not only the criminal traffic case to deal with, but also the possibility of a costly civil suit. And, insurance rates may increase. People who drive not only to and from work, but for work, especially if they hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), may be a risk of losing their livelihood.
Cobb County City, State and Superior Courts
In Cobb County, traffic tickets may be handled in either the county’s six municipal (city) courts, or in the Cobb State Court. Only in very serious matters, like an accident involving a DUI with serious injury or death, will the traffic case go automatically to Cobb Superior Court. If someone gets a ticket that calls them into one of the six Cobb city courts (i.e., Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna), the case may be handled there. The person with the ticket may elect to accept the plea offer from the city prosecutor (also called the solicitor). Or, they may elect for a trial before the city court’s judge. However, if they want a jury trial, the case will be sent to Cobb State Court. Note that the city courts do not have jurisdictions over felonies. Only the Cobb Superior Court can handle those matters.
Common Misdemeanor Traffic Tickets
- Driving without insurance (OCGA §40-6-10)
- Running a red light or stop sign (OCGA §40-6-20)
- Following too closely (OCGA §40-6-49)
- Failure to or improper turn signal (OCGA §40-6-123)
- Passing a school bus picking up or dropping off children (OCGA §40-6-163)
- Speeding (OCGA §40-6-181)
- Driving a car, truck or motorcycle in an unsafe condition (OCGA §40-8-7)
Other traffic violations
- Reckless driving (OCGA §40-6-390)
- Driving Under the Influence (OCGA §40-6-391) – 4th conviction in 10-year period a felony
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer (OCGA §40-6-395) – 4th conviction in 10-year period a felony
- Aggressive driving (OCGA §40-6-397)
Young Georgia drivers face harsher consequences
Even a seemingly minor traffic stop can lead to big problems. Young Georgia drivers can face a suspension of their driving privileges by accumulating just four or more points on their Georgia driver’s history as maintained by our Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Even if they are able to save their license, their insurance rates (or their parents insurance rates) are liable to increase. This is where a skilled, knowledgeable and diligent traffic lawyer can help. It may be possible to not only save the young driver’s license, but even keep all points off their record. The same may be done for older drivers.
Challenging traffic violations can be tough. For another example, fighting a radar or laser-based speeding ticket requires know-how. To have a chance against the state solicitor (the lawyer who usually prosecutes misdemeanors), one must know the law and understand the technology which the State relies on to make its case.
Can a traffic lawyer help?
As a former traffic court prosecutor, traffic lawyer Alan J. Levine handled plenty of traffic tickets representing the State of Georgia in Cobb County State Court. The traffic offenses Alan prosecuted as an Assistant Solicitor General were as mundane as failing to use a turn signal with no accident or injuries involved, to as serious as vehicular homicide with no accused driver use of drugs or alcohol. Now, as your lawyer, he will use insight and skill to work for the best possible result. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, it may be possible to get tickets reduced or dismissed – and no points on your driving history. If you have a traffic ticket and are facing potential points on your driver’s record and higher insurance rates, call attorney Alan at Georgia DUI and Criminal Defense for a free consult. 770-870-4994. His office in Marietta, Georgia is only two blocks from Cobb State Court and Cobb Superior Court.