Certain types of traffic tickets require a visit to traffic court, especially those connected to a car accident. Whether you’re attempting to get out of paying the ticket, or trying to keep all your points on your license, having an experienced attorney beside you throughout the process can be highly beneficial for a number of reasons.
Contacting an attorney to join you in traffic court may seem out of the ordinary, but an experienced traffic ticket defense attorney can have a significant impact on your situation. They can make the whole process feel easier and less stressful, and potentially decrease the consequences of your situation.
Speeding things up
Bring in a friendly face
When heading into traffic court, visions of spending an entire day sitting around waiting, may flash through your head. The time commitment of dealing with a single ticket could mean losing an entire day at work, or any number of inconveniences. However, with a traffic ticket lawyer by your side, the process could speed up significantly. Most likely, your lawyer has visited traffic court a lot, and as a result knows everybody working there. A friendly ‘hello’ to a clerk or a polite inquiry about the day may positively impact the amount of wait time. You may not even have to go in front of a judge at all if your lawyer can work with the clerk to process your ticket.
Prepare your case beforehand
Additionally, having a knowledgeable attorney look at your case before even getting to traffic court can speed up the process once your arrive. You should go over the details of your ticket prior to your court date. This gives your lawyer time to evaluate the case in advance, identify any weak spots, then craft a strategy to fight the ticket if possible. Having this strategy in place with someone to present it effectively can be especially beneficial if you end up in front of a judge. Your lawyer effectively question the police officer, if they show up, and expertly explain your circumstances to the judge for a better chance of dismissal.
Either way, inviting your lawyer to join you in traffic court can speed up the process by making it more efficient, for a shorter stay in court. You could even be out the door before the judge starts his or her day.
Slowing things down
Even if you're in a hurry to pay your traffic ticket, certain situations may lead to you to want to slow things down. Your lawyer will know when these situations arise. They can help with facilitating a delay by requesting a continuance once you arrive in traffic court.
Two types of traffic tickets in Georgia require you to appear in court, but it’s advisable to go in no matter what rather than just paying your fine online.
- Serious traffic offenses, defined as tickets with the potential for more severe consequences. Penalties could be more than just a fine or a license suspension.
- Tickets involving drivers under the age of 21. All young drivers are required to appear in court for traffic tickets. They have an increased potential for getting their license suspended as a penalty.
Once in court, your lawyer may request a continuance if you’re still waiting for additional evidence for your case. An example would be proof your insurance has compensated the other drivers involved in your accident. Sharing this type of information may help reduce your fine and prevent any points from being removed from your license.
Easing the tension in traffic court
Traffic court makes most people feel tense and stressed. Knowing you have someone with legal expertise beside you can help ease the tension. They can give you a realistic picture of how the process will likely go and share what you can expect.
The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm takes a personal interest in each individual case in order to help manage each detail. They’ll meet you at traffic court and stick with you throughout the entire experience. There's no charge for the initial consultation, so reach out and schedule an appointment today