The Law Firm of Troy Hendrick & Associates is an Atlanta, Georgia Traffic Ticket Attorney and Lawyer offering legal help with speeding tickets, careless driving violations, traffic accidents and DUI (Driving under the influence).
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Why should I fight a traffic ticket?
The most practical reason is to avoid drastic increases in your liability insurance premium. In many cases, insurance companies can raise their rates 300-500 percent for 3-5 years in response to convictions for traffic tickets. This can cost you thousands of dollars. Protecting your driving record can avoid these unnecessary costs.
An additional but often-overlooked advantage to hiring an attorney and fighting a ticket is the advantage of keeping your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) clean, or mitigating charges placed on your record in the event of future traffic citations. Courts look to your past driving record on your MVR when determining what leniency to offer. For instance, if a conviction for speeding shows on your MVR, the chances of future citations being lowered or dismissed are generally nonexistent. By saving your record once, you may save it again and again in the future.
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Can’t I just plead “NOLO” in Georgia?
Despite popular belief, a “Nolo Contendere,” or “no contest,” plea does not keep your ticket from being reported on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). A record of your conviction will be created, and can be seen by anyone who searches your MVR. If you have not received similar tickets in the past five years, a Nolo Contendere will save you the driving points associated with the charge. Please note: driving points are not insurance points. Anytime a record is created, your insurance company can find out about it. However, there are many ways to avoid having a conviction appear on your record. Further, Nolo Contendere has different effects for drivers under the age of 21. It is best to consult an attorney about the effect of a “Nolo” in each case.
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How does the point system work in Georgia?
Georgia has a “point system” that causes points to accrue to your driving record whenever you are convicted of an offense. These points can affect the validity of your license. The effect these points have on you can vary widely based on how old you are or how many points you have received in the past. It is extremely important to contact an attorney if you are under 21 years old, or if you aren’t sure how many points you currently have on your record. In addition, insurance companies search your Motor Vehicle Record to determine how many points you have. Typically, the more points you have, the higher the premium. Here are a few of the most common offenses:
| Traffic Violation |
Points |
| Aggressive Driving |
6 points |
|
Reckless Driving
|
4 points |
|
Unlawful Passing of a School Bus
|
6 points |
|
Improper Passing on hill or curve
|
4 points |
|
Speeding (15-18 over)
|
2 points |
|
Speeding (19-23 over)
|
3 points |
|
Speeding (24-33 over)
|
4 points |
|
Speeding (34 or more over)
|
6 points |
|
Red Light Violation (non-photo)
|
3 points |
|
Open Container while Driving
|
2 points |
|
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What do I need to know if I receive a ticket in a state other than the state where I am licensed?
An extremely overlooked aspect of traffic violations is the effect an out-of-state conviction can have on your license in your home state. In many cases, an officer may tell you that no points will accrue if you simply pay your fine. This may be true in that officer’s state, but may have a devastating effect on your license in your home state. Furthermore, an officer is not educated as a lawyer, and it is not in your best interests to rely on any legal advice he offers. Because states have different license regulations, it is always advisable to consult with an attorney in this situation to be sure of the effects to your license in your home state. Because of Troy Hendrick’s position as the lead Georgia attorney in the national network of Tixnix.com attorneys, he has access to the top traffic attorneys in other states across the nation. The best advice comes from attorneys licensed and practicing in traffic law in each state.
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If I still have to pay a fine, why would hiring an attorney have value?
First of all, there are certain legal issues that only an attorney might be able to identify. Your citation might contain a fatal defect. Secondly, an attorney might be able to handle your court appearances in your absence. In some of the crowded metro-Atlanta traffic courts, this alone can save you many hours of valuable time. But the most important value is the total cost of a traffic violation conviction. The insurance premium increase can be far more costly over time than a legal fee. Because of Troy Hendrick’s position as the lead Georgia attorney in the national TixNix.com network, the firm can offer extremely competitive legal fees—in many cases 30-50 percent less than the going rates.
Troy P. Hendrick and Associates will fight for you in every aspect of your violation, including eliminating or mitigating any required fines. But, in some cases, paying a fine to a reduced charge can be the most economical way to deal with a traffic violation.
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