Hinesville Traffic Violation Lawyer

Contact Our Liberty County & McIntosh County Criminal Defense Attorneys From Balbo & Gregg

If you are ticketed and fined for violating a traffic law, the consequences can be a major challenge to overcome. Your insurance will likely increase, your ability to drive may be restricted, and the repercussions could unexpectedly affect other aspects of your day-to-day life.

Common moving violations and traffic offenses in Georgia include:

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is also considered a traffic offense. Anyone who has been charged with DUI is subject to a license suspension or revocation by the Department of Driver Services. DUI can also be more than just a minor traffic offense. You can face arrest on criminal charges if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is suspected or tested to be at 0.08% or higher.

What can you do if you are hit with a traffic offense charge? You can start by contacting us online or calling (866) 580-3089 to speak with our Hinesville traffic violation attorneys today.

What are the Potential Consequences of Traffic Violations in Hinesville, GA?

Traffic violations in Hinesville, Georgia, can lead to various consequences, including fines, jail time, and points on your driving record. The severity of these penalties depends on the specific offense and its circumstances.​

• Fines and Jail Time:
  • Minor Violations: Offenses such as failure to obey traffic control devices or improper lane usage may result in fines up to $110. 
  • Serious Violations: More severe offenses, like failure to stop for a school bus while loading/unloading, can lead to fines up to $306.
  • Reckless Driving: This offense is considered a misdemeanor in Georgia, punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Georgia?

Challenging a traffic violation requires an understanding of Georgia traffic laws and the legal process. A Hinesville traffic violation attorney can employ several defense strategies, such as:

1. Examining the Evidence: Reviewing camera footage, witness statements, and police reports for inconsistencies.
2. Challenging Radar Readings: Questioning the accuracy of speed detection devices used by law enforcement.
3. Proving Necessity or Emergency Situations: Arguing that the violation was necessary to avoid harm or due to an emergency.
4. Identifying Law Enforcement Errors: Analyzing whether proper procedures were followed during the traffic stop.
5. Seeking Alternative Resolutions: Negotiating for reduced penalties, defensive driving courses, or diversion programs.

What Are the Grounds for Disputing a Traffic Violation in Georgia?

Disputing a traffic violation in Georgia can be approached on several grounds, often revolving around procedural errors, the accuracy of the officer's observations, or the applicability of traffic laws to specific situations. For instance, questioning the calibration and operation of speed detection devices or challenging the officer's line of sight are common defenses.

Legal defenses might also argue that the violation was unintentional and resulted from circumstances beyond the driver's control, such as emergencies or miscommunication of traffic signs. A detailed review of the citation for legal sufficiency and conformity to all procedural requirements could reveal further grounds for dispute. Engaging an attorney who understands traffic laws and courtroom procedures can significantly enhance your ability to present a strong defense.

How Traffic Offenses Affect Your Life in Hinesville?

Georgia monitors traffic infringements using a points system. For every violation that winds up on your driving record either through an admission of guilt or a judge's verdict, you will gain anywhere between 2 to 4 points. Like golf, the goal is to have the least amount of points as possible, and the greater the infraction, the more points you will receive. For example, passing on a hill or curved road when it could be deemed dangerous will hit you with 4 points.

Once you have 15 or more points on your record within a two-year time frame, your license will be automatically suspended by the DMV. Keep in mind that Georgia State does not offer traffic school for individuals wishing to keep their ticket off their driving record. If you plead guilty to accusations, the citation will automatically be placed on your record and remain there for its full duration.

Automatic License Plate Readers

Since 2004, the Georgia State Patrol has been using automatic license plate readers to capture thousands of license plates each day. While this technology has been used to look for stolen cars or vehicles connected to crimes, some law enforcement agencies are using license plate readers to target cars with expired tags or tax liens. These camera systems are always running and can unobtrusively capture images and compare license plate numbers with databases in a matter of seconds. Although law enforcement agencies claim they make every effort to protect the information they collect, many people are concerned about how their information is being stored and protected.

Can I Get My License Back After Suspension?

Due to the unique and arguable noncriminal activities that can add points to your driving record in Georgia, retrieving your license after a suspension based on point accrual is also unique. In many cases, you will not need to go to court. You can head to a Georgia DMV office to request its return, or even send a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. This is normally only an option after the suspension has fully played out, but with an attorney's help, you could possibly receive a hardship license in the meantime.

Obtaining a hardship license can be a complex process that requires demonstrating to the court the necessity of maintaining driving privileges for employment, education, or medical purposes. By working with our legal team, you can prepare a compelling case to support your application for a hardship license, potentially minimizing the disruption to your personal and professional life during your suspension period.

Keep Your Future Open with Our Legal Assistance

If you are charged with a traffic offense, you have two options: pay the fine and plead guilty or fight for your rights as a Georgia driver. At Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC, we will develop a plan that aims to effectively resolve your case without leaving you wondering what is going on in your legal proceedings. We work closely with our clients because although it is our job to defend them, it is still their lives that we are protecting.

Our clients benefit from our:

Our commitment to transparency and client education means you're never left in the dark regarding your legal options and the trajectory of your case. We strive to empower clients through knowledge, ensuring that every choice made is an informed decision with a full understanding of its implications.

Protect your driving privilege with confidence. Call 8665803089 or fill out our online form today.