Car Accident Citations in Cobb County, Georgia
If you have received a traffic citation after a car accident in Cobb County, it is very likely that you will need to appear in court to address the citation. Most car accident citations are “must appear” traffic offenses, meaning they cannot be paid online before court. Common traffic offenses that lead to car accident citations are: following too closely, failure to maintain lane, failure to obey traffic control device, failure to yield while turning left, improper lane change, and failure to signal. These citations are three point violations against your Georgia drivers license, meaning a guilty plea to any of these moving violations will add three points to your Georgia drivers license.
Depending on where the car accident occurred and which police department came to the scene will determine where you will need to appear in court to address your Cobb County traffic ticket. If they offense occurred in any of the incorporated municipalities of Cobb County that have their own police department (Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Austell, Acworth, Powder Springs) and a local municipal police officer stopped you, your case will be in that municipality’s court. If you were in an unincorporated part of Cobb County, or a Cobb County police officer responded to the accident and issued the citation, you will have court at the Cobb County State Court, located at 12 E Park Square, Marietta, Georgia 30090.
In my experience, if you have been in a car accident, it is best to appear in court at your first court date. If you want to fight the case, you need to plead not guilty and ask for a bench trial (Judge) or jury trial (6 citizens of Cobb County). If you would like to resolve your case short of a trial, it is best to have a letter from your insurance company showing that they have accepted liability for the accident, and have settled or are in the process of settling any claims. Doing this prior to court should avoid the need for you to return to court multiple times to resolve your case. It will also help you resolve your case without having to plead guilty to the charge as written. Bringing proof the claim has been resolved opens the door for a nolo contendere (No Contest) plea to avoid points or possibly even a reduced charge and fine amount, depending on other factors such as your driving history and the circumstances surrounding the accident. The fine for a car accident citation is usually between $100-200 depending on the courthouse. There may be additional fees and surcharges added on to the base fine amount.
If you have any questions regarding a Cobb county car accident citation or the Cobb County State Court, feel free to reach out to me be phone, text, or e-mail. I am happy to go ever everything with you and help you understand all your options.
