Traffic Tickets & Moving Violations
Protecting Your Driving Record in Gwinnett County: Traffic Tickets & Moving Violations
Traffic tickets and moving violations are more than just an inconvenience—they can lead to points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, hefty fines, and, in severe cases, license suspension. At Elbaz & Elbaz Law, we understand how disruptive these consequences can be. Our goal is to minimize the impact of traffic-related offenses on your life by providing skilled legal counsel to drivers across Gwinnett County, including Lawrenceville, Duluth, Snellville, and Suwanee.
Common Traffic Offenses in Georgia
Speeding Tickets
• Exceeding the posted speed limit can result in fines and points on your license.
• Extreme speeding (e.g., 24+ mph over the limit) may be classified as a super speeder offense, which carries additional penalties.
Reckless Driving
• This broad charge applies when an officer believes you drove with “reckless disregard” for safety.
• Convictions can include fines, jail time, and a criminal record in addition to points on your license.
Driving Without a Valid License
• Operating a vehicle on an expired, suspended, or revoked license can lead to severe repercussions.
• Repeated offenses may result in increased penalties and potential jail time.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
• Rolling through stop signs, running red lights, or ignoring yield signs can result in citations and fines.
• Accumulating multiple violations can raise your insurance rates.
Improper Lane Changes or Passing
• Making unsafe or illegal lane changes or passing in no-pass zones can lead to citations.
• In certain cases, these charges can escalate if they result in accidents or injuries.
DUI-Related Traffic Violations
• DUI cases often involve additional citations, such as failing to maintain lane or speeding.
• If alcohol or drugs are involved, penalties drastically increase.
Understanding Georgia’s Points System
Georgia operates on a point-based system where each traffic violation adds points to your driving record. Accumulating 15 points within a 24-month period can result in a driver’s license suspension. Examples of point values include:
• Speeding: 2–6 points (depending on how far over the limit you were driving)
• Reckless Driving: 4 points
• Improper Passing: 3 points
• Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device: 3 points
Points on your license can lead to higher insurance premiums and other long-term consequences. Hiring an attorney to fight or reduce these charges can save you significant stress and money over time.
Potential Consequences of Traffic Violations
1. Fines & Court Costs
• Most traffic tickets come with fines that vary based on the severity of the offense.
• Court costs may be added on top of the base fine.
2. Increased Insurance Premiums
• Insurance companies often raise rates after one or more traffic convictions.
• An accumulation of points can signal higher risk, further hiking premiums.
3. License Suspension or Revocation
• Serious offenses or repeated violations can lead to suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
• This can negatively impact your ability to commute to work, school, or personal obligations.
4. Criminal Record
• Some moving violations, such as reckless driving or repeated driving on a suspended license, can be charged as misdemeanors or more serious crimes, creating a permanent record.
How Elbaz & Elbaz Law Can Help
1. Local Expertise
• We focus on Gwinnett County, meaning we’re familiar with local traffic laws, court procedures, and the preferences of area judges and prosecutors.
2. Reducing or Dismissing Charges
• We analyze your citation for possible defenses, such as improperly calibrated radar guns, unsubstantiated officer observations, or procedural errors.
• In some cases, we can negotiate reduced charges (like no-points offenses or a lesser penalty) or get citations dismissed altogether.
3. Protecting Your Record
• Our team works to keep as many points off your license as possible, preserving your driving privileges and preventing skyrocketing insurance rates.
• We handle your case from start to finish, including filing court documents, appearing at hearings, and negotiating with prosecutors.
4. Personalized Client Care
• We understand how stressful traffic violations can be, especially if you depend on driving for work or family responsibilities.
• We keep you informed at every step, ensuring you understand your options and the best path forward.
FAQs
Q: Is it worth hiring an attorney for a simple speeding ticket?
A: Even minor tickets can carry points that increase your insurance rates and put you closer to suspension. An attorney might get your charges reduced or dismissed, saving you money in the long run.
Q: Can I fight a ticket if I missed the court date?
A: If you missed your court date, a failure to appear warrant or license suspension might be in play. Contact us immediately to see if we can file a motion to address this issue and potentially remove or reduce penalties.
Q: What if I have multiple traffic tickets?
A: Multiple tickets can quickly add up to serious penalties, including license suspension. A lawyer can help consolidate your cases, negotiate with prosecutors, and minimize the overall damage.
Q: Do I have to attend court in person for a traffic ticket?
A: It depends. Some tickets can be resolved by paying a fine, while others require a mandatory court appearance. In many cases, an attorney can appear on your behalf, saving you time and stress.
Take Control of Your Traffic Case—Contact Us Today
If you’ve been charged with a traffic offense in Gwinnett County, don’t just pay the fine and accept the points on your record. Call Elbaz & Elbaz for a consultation to explore your options for contesting, reducing, or dismissing your ticket. We’ll review your situation, craft a strategy to protect your driving privileges, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.