Can a Marietta traffic ticket defense lawyer help you? If you have a traffic citation in the City of Marietta Municipal Court, an experienced traffic defense attorney help things go smoother. And better. You may not need to appear in court. And, it’s your case may be dismissed, or the charges reduced so no points appear on your Georgia driver’s history. This in turn can protect your insurance rates from increasing. Drivers holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be a risk of losing their livelihood even with a minor ticket. In that case, hiring an experienced traffic ticket attorney is a very smart move.
Marietta City versus Cobb County Courts
A Marietta police officer issued citation may be handled in city court or Cobb State Court. In the City of Marietta Municipal Court, a plea may resolve the ticket. Often, better plea offers are negotiated between the city prosecutor (solicitor) and a skilled traffic ticket attorney. Alternatively, the ticket may be challenged in a trial before the city court judge. Typically, this also goes better when a diligent traffic lawyer represents the accused. Remember, the city solicitor (prosecutor) is a highly skilled attorney.
However, if someone wants a jury trial, the case must then go to Cobb State Court. The City of Marietta Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over any felonies. So, while a Marietta police officer can make felony arrests, the legal case can only be handled in Cobb Superior Court. And, in very serious traffic matters (for example, a DUI accident involving serious injury or death), the case will go to Cobb Superior Court.
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. Again, this is where a knowledgeable, diligent Marietta traffic ticket lawyer can help. It may be possible to not only save the young driver’s license, but even keep all points off their record. And, 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. So, to have a chance against the Marietta solicitor (the lawyer prosecuting misdemeanors in the city court), one must know the law and understand the technology which the State relies on to make its case.
Can a traffic lawyer help?
A former traffic court prosecutor, now a defense attorney, Marietta lawyer Alan J. Levine handled plenty of traffic tickets. While prosecuting, representing the State of Georgia in Cobb County State Court was Alan’s job. 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. Furthermore, with his office close to not only the State Court of Cobb County, but walking distance from Marietta City Court as well, he has helped numerous clients with their Marietta traffic tickets.
As your lawyer, Alan will use insight and skill to work for the best possible result. Circumstances vary from case to case. But, getting charges reduced or dismissed is possible. The goal is no points on your driving history. So, whether you were stopped in unincorporated Cobb County, the city of Marietta, or anywhere in the Greater Metro Atlanta area, 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.