Your Options to Resolve Your Georgia Traffic Accident Citation
I am often asked what my potential client’s options are when they receive a citation after a traffic accident in metro Atlanta. Most traffic accident citations are three point moving violations that get reported on your driver’s history if you are convicted. There are usually three ways to proceed with a traffic accident ticket. An attorney may be able to help you best execute all of these options.
Option 1: Make the solicitor’s office prove you committed the offense you have been charged with under Georgia law. This generally involves taking your citation to trial and allowing a Judge or jury to hear the evidence and determine innocence or guilt. However, there are circumstances where the solicitor’s office may choose to dismiss your citation prior to trial if they feel they cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Option 2: Speak with the solicitor about your traffic citation in an attempt to reduce the citation to a non-reportable, zero point offense that would not impact your driver’s history or put any points on your drivers license. Many traffic accident charges can be negotiated with the solicitor’s office to benefit you. This option may require providing proof that insurance has covered any damages or proof of completion of a state approved driver improvement course.
Option 3: Plead guilty or no contest to the citation as originally written. Both of these resolutions would be reported on your driving history, but a no contest plea does not put any points on your drivers license if you are eligible to plead no contest. A no contest plea cannot be used as an admission of guilt if a civil claim is made for damages or injuries due to the accident by another party.
I do not expect most solicitor’s to just dismiss your traffic accident citation after speaking with the solicitor about the facts surrounding the accident. Further, remember any statement you make to a solicitor or Judge can be used as an admission against your interest in any further proceeding or trial related to your case.
If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this blog post or you would like a free consultation, please text of call me at 678-753-6431.
